AUSTIN – St. Edward's women's basketball used stifling defense to defeat UT Tyler 73-35 Thursday evening. The Hilltoppers held UTT to under 25 percent from the floor and three point range while forcing 36 turnovers with six blocks in the win.

It was a tentative start for both teams as the game remained scoreless through the opening two and a half minutes. JUSTINA CHAN broke the scoring open from the free throw line and sparked the Hilltoppers to lead 12-6 at the end of the first.

St. Edward's pushed their lead to 15, 28-13, on SAMMIE DUFEK's jumper with just under two minutes to go in the half. At the break, SEU led by 14, 30-16.

It was all St. Edward's in the second half as the Hilltoppers continued to build on their lead steadily throughout the second half, posting their largest lead of 41 points, 69-28, with 2:49 remaining in the game.

LAUREN CATHERMAN led the charge with 15 points on 4-8 shooting with a game-high four steals. CHARLI BECKER added 10 points as SEU shot 39 percent frm the floor and 32 percent from three point range. The Hilltoppers were +8 in rebounds and was led by Dufek who grabbed six boards.

St. Edward's improves to 1-2 on the year and returns to the road to face UT Tyler on their home court on Saturday. Tip is set for 5 pm.