Box Score SAN ANTONIO – St. Edward's went on the road and secured a crucial 81-77 win in overtime at St. Mary's Saturday afternoon.  It was the first time SEU has defeated the Rattlers on their home court since the 2004-05 season. With the win the Hilltoppers earn the right to host the first round of the Lone Star Conference Championship on Tuesday.
 
SEU exploded at the start, opening the game on an 18-3 run and led by 20 at halftime, 44-24. The Hilltoppers pushed their lead to as many as 26 in the third quarter and maintained a 20-point lead, 59-39, heading into the final frame.
 
St. Mary's used a 21-2 run over six minutes late in the fourth to pull within three, 66-32, with 42 seconds remaining. A costly SEU turnover put the ball back in the Rattlers' hands with a chance to tie the game for the first time since early in the first quarter.
 
Bilic hit a three to tie the game with 35 seconds remaining. Coach Riehl called a timeout to draw up a play that worked to perfection but DEIJAH BLANKS' jumper rolled out with STMU getting the rebound to earn a shot at the win. The Rattlers were unable to get a shot off as the game headed into overtime.
 
LEXI CUNNINGHAM started SEU on the right foot with a pair of free throws and sparked an 11-3 run that put the Hilltoppers up 77-69 and set the stage for the win.
 
Blanks led with 31 points on 12-29 shooting from the floor and a team-high 13 rebounds. HALEY BLANKINSHIP added 13 points and Cunningham 11 and a team-high five assists as the Hilltoppers shot 40.5 percent from the floor.
 
St. Edward's returns home to host the first round of the Lone Star Conference Tournament and will await announcement of their opponent when the official seedings are announced on Monday.