COMMERCE, Texas – Senior guard ASHTON SPEARS posted a career-high 42 points with nine three-pointers but the Hilltoppers were unable to secure the win, suffering their first loss of the season 86-78 to Texas A&M-Commerce.
 
Spears' nine three-pointers are tied for the second most in a game in SEU men's basketball history, while his 42 points ties him for third most in a game, tying Jay Lee Hobbs (1/22/1990) and Joe Beck (1957).
 
St. Edward's started well, opening on a 14-3 run in the first five minutes of the contest. The Lions clawed their way back to tie the game for the first time since the opening tip, 25-25, with six minutes to go in the half.
 
TAMUC took a six point lead with under three to go but RYAN GARZA's three on the final possession of the half brought SEU within two, 36-34, at the half.
 
It took until the 12-minute mark of the second half before the Hilltoppers would once again tie the game, 55-55, but couldn't get the go-ahead bucket the remainder of the way.
 
JAKE KRAFKA joined Spears as the only other Hilltopper in double figures, posting 12 points on 5-8 shooting from the field. St. Edward's shot 45.9% from the floor and 38.7% from three-point range as a team but were out-rebounded 35-31.
 
AUGUST HAAS had eight assists on the evening with Krafka leading on the boards with six.
 
St. Edward's falls to 6-1 on the year and 1-1 in Lone Star Conference play following the loss. They return home and to non-conference action on December 7, hosting Millsaps at 3 pm.