AUSTIN, Texas – Freshman LUKE PLUYMEN came off the bench and provided the spark the Hilltoppers needed to launch SEU to an 89-63 win over Rogers State.
 
Pluymen led with 23 points on 7-8 shooting from the field, 6-7 from three-point range. He posted 13 points in 12 minutes in the first half and was a catalyst for the offense in the opening frame.
 
Rogers State lead through the first ten minutes of the game until Pluymen got rolling. Back to back threes from the freshman guard gave the Hilltoppers the lead for the first time, 19-17, with 9:03 to go in the half.
 
St. Edward's outscored RSU 15-6 in the final five minutes to go into the locker room with an 11-point lead, 40-29.
 
SEU exploded out of the locker room, using a 17-6 run to extend their lead to 22, 57-35, with 14:05 to go. The Hilltoppers' offense went quiet midway through the second half, allowing the Hillcats to cut into the lead, 69-56. CORY MCKENDREE's free throw followed by a three from ASHTON SPEARS righted the ship and the Hilltoppers cruised to the win.
 
DORIAN LOPEZ added 22 points and six rebounds in the win while Spears ended with 14 points and COREY SHERVILL 11. The Hilltoppers improve to 22-2 on the year and 11-1 in Heartland Conference play. They close their regular-season home schedule on Saturday, hosting Arkansas-Fort Smith at 3 pm.