AUSTIN – The #15 Hilltoppers improved to 2-0 after an 81-78 overtime win against Texas A&M International Saturday.
 
St. Edward's shot out of the gate thanks to back-to-back threes from JAKE KRAFKA to open the game. The boost led to a 20-4 run in the opening seven and a half minutes that saw SEU up 16 early.
 
With just under ten minutes to play the Hilltoppers retained a 12-point advantage, 24-12, but then went ice cold offensively, allowing TAMIU to claw their way back into the contest. With 6:21 remaining, the DustDevils had evened the score 24-24. A short run to end the frame sent the Hilltoppers into the locker room with a four point lead, 37-33.
 
St. Edward's started the second half strong, leading by 14, 47-33, three minutes in behind the duo of DANIEL VENZANT and LOGAN COOK. SEU led by as many as 16 in the second half but TAMIU refused to go quietly and held the Hilltoppers without a field goal in the final 4:30 of regulation.
 
TAMIU's Daniel Kiely hit a layup with six seconds remaining to tie the game 71-71 and force overtime.
 
As overtime got underway, the DustDevils took control and went up by four, 76-72, with 3:30 remaining. B.J. MAXWELL and RYAN GARZA hit clutch threes on consecutive possessions to tie the game for the sixth time, 78-78. After a big defensive stop Maxwell had the touch again with a jumper in the paint that proved to be the difference maker as SEU closed out the win.


 
St. Edward's shot 41.6% from the floor and 32.1% from three-point range, led by Venzant's 21 points. Maxwell chipped in 21 with seven assists and four steals while LOGAN COOK had a career-night with 12 points, 13 rebounds and five steals.
 
SEU remains at home as they look to open Lone Star Conference play on Friday, hosting Texas A&M-Commerce at 4 pm.