AUSTIN, Texas – St. Edward's survived a tough afternoon offensively to post their fourth win of the season and remain unbeaten, defeating Huston-Tillotson 71-59 Saturday afternoon.
SEU's usually prolific offense was stymied in the first two quarters, shooting 36.4 percent from the floor and just 14.3 percent from three-point range. The Hilltopper defense, however, was firing on all cylinders as they forced the Rams into 14 turnovers and posted seven blocks including four by SAMMIE DUFEK. By the break, St. Edward's had a four-point advantage, 32-28.
SEU's shooting woes continued into the third quarter, but they managed to build on their lead and were up by eight, 51-43, heading into the fourth.
Huston-Tillotson made a run in the fourth quarter, pulling within five points, 59-54, with 3:32 to play, but St. Edward's had the answer with a three from CHRISTINA MASON followed by a three-point play the hard way by Dejiah Blanks to put the Hilltoppers up 11, 65-54.
SEU shot 38.5% from the floor and 20 percent from three-point range and was led by Blanks who posted 23 points. MARYAM WILCHER chipped in 12 while Dufek had a career-high 16 rebounds with four blocks.
St. Edward's improves to 4-0 with the win and return to action on November 21 at 5:30 pm, facing UT Tyler to open Lone Star Conference play.
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