AUSTIN – St. Edward's pushed out to a 14-point halftime lead and then held on to fight off a late rally by Eastern New Mexico, as the Hilltoppers claimed a 78-70 victory Saturday at the RCC.
DEIJAH BLANKS led a trio of St. Edward's (7-2, 3-1 Lone Star Conference) players into double figures, as the senior poured in a game-high 23 points.
SAMMIE DUFEK posted a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds, in addition to five blocked shots, while
D'AVIYON MAGAZINE added 13.
The Hilltoppers held a 23-20 advantage and then went on a 19-8 run to close out the first half with a 42-28 lead.
St. Edward's pushed the lead to 55-37 on
FAIREN SUTTON's jumper with 3:48 left in the third quarter. However, the Greyhounds (7-2, 1-2 LSC) used a 9-0 run to close out the period and pull within nine points.
A layup by Magazine stretched SEU's advantage to 62-50 with 8:32 left. After allowing a layup, the Hilltoppers responded with
CHARLI BECKER's 3-pointer to take a 65-52 lead.
Magazine buried a triple with 5:34 left, giving St. Edward's a 68-54 advantage. Eastern New Mexico started its rally over the next minute, outscoring the 'Toppers 8-0 to pull within six points.
Blanks' layup with 2:50 remaining pushed the lead back to eight. Dufek made her way to the hoop for two points and then Becker set up Magazine for a fastbreak layup to give SEU a 74-62 lead.
Zamorye Cox's layup with 0:32 to go, trimmed the lead to 10, but Magazine was fouled on the ensuing inbound and connected on both free throws.
Cox connected on a 3-pointer on the next trip down the court to get the lead down to nine again, but a free throw each from
CHRISTINA MASON and Magazine increased the advantage to 78-67.
Cox had one more 3-pointer in her, but the Hilltoppers were able to hold off ENMU for the final 12 seconds to pick up the win.
St. Edward's will return to action Saturday, Dec. 21, as the 'Toppers host rival St. Mary's. Tipoff is slated for 1 p.m.
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