Box Score TULSA, Okla. – The St. Edward's press baffled Rogers State and allowed the Hilltoppers an early lead they maintained, winning 65-53 to advance to the semifinals in the Heartland Conference tournament.
 
RSU hit the first bucket of the game but then nearly went silent as SEU's press frustrated the Hillcats. By the end of the first the Hilltoppers led by 12, 20-8, while shooting 50% from the floor.
 
Rogers State's offense revved back up in the second quarter and eventually clawed their way within seven, 34-27, by halftime.
 
The start of the third quarter mirrored the start of the game as RSU hit the opening bucket but SEU dominated the frame early with an 8-0 run to go up by 13, 42-29, with 4:55 left in the third. St. Edward's took an eight point advantage, 46-38, into the fourth quarter.
 
A Hillcat three opened the fourth and cut SEU's lead to five, 46-41. RSU pulled within four points in the fourth quarter but the Hilltoppers always had the answer, pushing their lead back to ten, 58-48, on a baseline jumper by SAMMIE DUFEK with just under three minutes to play.
 
St. Edward's held the Hillcats at arm's length with ISABEL HERNANDEZ putting the final nail in the coffin with a three in the corner on their final offensive possession, sealing the win.

Hernandez led all scorers with 20 points, shooting 8-14 from the floor and 3-5 from three-point range. BAILEY HILL chipped in 12 and MARYAM WILCHER 11. SEU earned 25 points off turnovers and out-rebounded RSU 31-29. 
 
SEU improves to 16-13 on the year and move on to face the #1 seed, Lubbock Christian, on Saturday at noon.