CLAREMORE, Okla. –Despite shooting over 50% from three-point range and 42.1% from the field the Hilltoppers dropped their second road contest this week, falling 84-81 to Rogers State Saturday.
 
SEU started the game well, leading by eight points, 16-8, with 2:31 to go in the first quarter, but Rogers State hung around and eventually took the lead on the opening possession of the second quarter.
 
BAILEY HILL's three with 3:30 to go in the half put the Hilltoppers up 11, 38-27, and SEU would hold on to that 11-point advantage heading into the locker room, leading 40-29.
 
A pair of free throws from CHRISTINA MASON gave St. Edward's their largest lead of the game, 16 points, with just under eight minutes to play in the third.
 
SEU had a ten-point lead heading into the final frame, but only scored eight points in the final eight minutes allowing the Hillcats to climb back into the game. The Hilltoppers led by five, 67-62 after a pair of free throws from ISABEL HERNANDEZ, but RSU hit a three followed by a layup with seconds remaining to send the game into overtime.
 
Rogers State scored on their first two offensive possessions and never allowed the Hilltoppers back on top to arrive at the 84-81 final.
 
MARYAM WILCHER led with 14 points, going 5-10 from the field and 4-6 from three-point range while LEXI CUNNINGHAM chipped in 13 and Mason 12. Hernandez, ABBY HOPPER and Hill all added 11 points each in the loss. Mason had a strong game across the board, posting six rebounds, six assists and five steals.
 
The Hilltoppers fall to 9-9 on the year and 1-3 in Heartland Conference play. The return home to face Lubbock Christian on Thursday at 5:30 pm.