SAINT LEO, Florida – St. Edward's women's basketball took control of the game with just over two minutes to play in the game and never gave the lead back, defeating Saint Leo 69-63 Saturday afternoon.
 
SLU started strong and was able to build up a six point advantage in the first quarter, leading 21-15, but SEU pulled within one point by the end of the frame, 23-22.
 
St. Edward's led briefly at the outset of the second quarter after a BELLA MUSCOREIL jumper off a turnover, but Saint Leo was able to regain control and took a three-point led into the locker room, 33-30.
 
As the second half got underway, LAUREN CATHERMAN quickly got the Hilltoppers headed in the right direction with a three on their first possession to tie the game. St. Edward's went up by six, 45-39, with two minutes to go in the frame, but SLU roared back to lead at the end of the third, 47-45.
 
SEU hung close and was able to make a game of it by the five minute mark, taking the lead on a Catherman three, 53-52.
 
After a tie a 57-57, it was all St. Edward's as the Hilltoppers never relinquished the lead to secure the win.
 
St. Edward's shot an impressive 54.8 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent from three point range in the win. Three Hilltoppers, MORGAN GARY, TAYLOR COCKERILL and Catherman, led with 15 points each. Catherman also added a team-high six assists while Cockerill led on the glass with seven rebounds.
 
The Hilltoppers improve to 3-2 on the season and return home to host Schreiner on Thursday, December 2 at 6 pm.