AUSTIN, Texas – There was much to celebrate Saturday afternoon as the Hilltoppers trounced Newman 84-56 Saturday afternoon leading to Head Coach J.J. Riehl's 100th career victory.
ISABEL HERNANDEZ set a new SEU record for made three-pointers in the contest, going an impressive 8-9 from long range.
After a shaky start to the game the Hilltoppers exploded thanks in large part to Hernandez who was sizzling, going 4-4 from three-point range and added two free throws to put SEU on top 16-5. By the end of the first St. Edward's led 22-7.
It took just over two minutes into the second before the Hilltoppers extended their lead to 20 and led by 24, 47-23, at the break.
Less than three minutes into the third quarter, Hernandez hit a jumper to put St. Edward's up 31, and the Hilltoppers flirted with a 40-point lead throughout the frame. SEU led 76-39 at the end of the third with Hernandez matching the entire Newman squad with 39 points.
With the win solidly in hand, the deep Hilltopper bench closed out the game to arrive at the 84-56 final.
Hernandez finished with 39 points, putting her third all-time in the record books for most points in a game. What may be most impressive, however, was Hernandez's efficiency as she went 14-19 from the field and 8-9 from three-point range, 3-4 from the free throw line.
BAILEY HILL chipped in 11 points with all but two Hilltoppers scoring in the win. Hernandez and
SAMMIE DUFEK led all rebounders with six boards a piece.
The win improves SEU to 10-10 on the year and 2-4 in Heartland Conference play. They return to action on Thursday, January 31 to face St. Mary's in San Antonio at 5:30 pm.
