AUSTIN - St. Edward's women's basketball outscored Angelo State 50-29 in the second half to come back from an 18-point deficit to win their Lone Star Conference opener 71-67. 

A tough first half offensively found the Hilltoppers in a 16 point hole at the break, 38-22. SEU was held to just 29 percent from the field and 16.7 percent from three point range in the half while ASU shot 40 percent or above from both the floor and long distance. 

The slow start continued early in the third quarter, allowing the Rambelles to maintain a 15-point lead, 50-35, with 3:35 to go in the third. A pair of free throws by SAMMIE DUFEK started the Hilltopper run as SEU closed the frame on an 18-4 run to trail by 11, 54-43, heading into the fourth. 

Dufek's putback to open the fourth brought the St. Edward's deficit to single digits and, after a brief ASU run, MORGAN GARY hit a three to ignite the offense with just under five minutes to play. 

SEU sprinted to the finish with a 15-5 run to snatch win. TAYLOR COCKERILL fueled the comeback with 8 points down the stretch. 

Gary led the way offensively with 18 points on 7-13 shooting from the floor and a perfect 3-3 from three point range. Dufek added in 13 points with Cockerill and LAUREN CATHERMAN chipping in 12 each. MCCALL HAMPTON led on the glass with seven rebounds with Dufek and Cockerill grabbing six each. 

SEU led 43-40 on the glass and forced 15 turnovers in the win. They improve to 8-4 on the year and 1-0 in LSC play while ASU falls to 3-9 overall and 0-1 in conference action. The Hilltoppers return to action on January 6, taking on Midwestern State on the road. Tipoff is set for 5:30 pm.