AUSTIN, Texas – St. Edward's Women's Basketball celebrated their five seniors with a 70-65 win over Arkansas-Fort Smith Saturday.

SEU's defense was impressive early as they held the Lions scoreless in the opening three minutes, allowing the Hilltoppers to lead by 12, 18-6, at the end of the first quarter.

Turnovers by SEU in the second quarter allowed Arkansas-Fort Smith back in the game with a 13-4 run through the first five minutes. LEXI CUNNINGHAM's three got the Hilltoppers back on track as they went into the locker room with a seven point advantage, 35-28.

St. Edward's controlled the third quarter and led by 17, 52-35, on a three-point play from BAILEY HILL, and the Hilltoppers went into the final frame with a 13 point lead, 55-42.

Hill hit one from long range with 3:46 to go, putting SEU on top by 17 points again, 65-48. That was the last field goal SEU would record as the Lions clawed their way to back into the game, pulling as close as four points, 67-63, with 13 ticks remaining. CHRISTINA MASON did the heavy lifting from the free throw line, going 4-7 in the final minute to secure the win.

ISABEL HERNANDEZ led with 18 points and six rebounds while Mason added 15 and Hill 13. SEU shot 48.9% from the floor and 41.7% from three point range in the win while forcing UAFS into 16 turnovers.

The win improves St. Edward's to 14-12 on the year and 6-6 in Heartland Conference play. They return to the road to close out the regular season, first facing Texas A&M-International on February 27 at 5:30 pm.