DALLAS — St. Edward's didn't so much flip a defensive switch in the second half as it slowly tightened every bolt, possession by possession, until the Colorado Mesa offense ground to a halt in a 72–62 Hilltopper win to cap a perfect weekend at the South Central Region Challenge.

Both defenses dragged the game into spurts of offensive molasses, but the difference was St. Edward's ability to turn stops into fuel. The Hilltoppers forced 17 turnovers — 11 of the live-ball variety — converting them into 25 points and 14 fast-break bursts that kept the pulse of the game in their hands.

Freshman point guard RYDER BRADLEY stepped in for a resting BLAKE NIELSEN and immediately seized command, assisting on four straight 3-pointers in the opening minutes. He found CONOR MCMANUS three times and MASON COURTNEY once to build a 12–2 lead before the game had a chance to settle.

But no freshman survives November without a few hard lessons. Colorado Mesa obliged, pressing Bradley into five first-half turnovers and holding him to 2-for-7 shooting. Inside, the Hilltoppers couldn't buy a finish, shooting just 3-for-10 on twos and ending the half with more turnovers (eight) than assists (seven).

Colorado Mesa's depth swung the momentum, outscoring St. Edward's bench 17–7. Guard Mason Honeyman carved out 11 points on seven shots, pairing with Cohen Gonzales (10) to push the Mavericks ahead 37–34 at halftime. St. Edward's stayed afloat behind an 8-for-19 3-point clip and McManus's steady hand, leading with 11 on 4-for-8 shooting.

But that well froze after the break — 1-for-12 levels of frostbite — forcing the Hilltoppers to lean into who they are. And who they are is a group built on defensive principles: pressure that travels, discipline that shrinks space, and collective buy-in that squeezes the air out of possessions.

With the rotation tightened, St. Edward's squeezed the Mavericks' rhythm into dust. Colorado Mesa shot just 28 percent in the second half, managing only seven made field goals.

Sophomore guard ROBERT CONRAD sparked the shift. Teaming with Bradley, the backcourt became a two-man vice, combining for five steals — three from Conrad — to ignite transition chances. Conrad's fearlessness punctured the paint, earning five free throws and scoring nine of his 13 points after halftime.

DONOVAN SANTORO delivered one of his most composed two-way performances of the season: nine points and seven rebounds, steadying plays every time the game threatened to split open. JAMISON KAY filled in every gap, adding eight points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

And when the game needed a closer, Bradley stepped forward with conviction.

The freshman poured in a career-high 22 points — 16 after halftime — balancing downhill aggression with poised midrange answers. His pace tilted the game, his pressure bent it, and his fearlessness punctured every pocket of space Colorado Mesa left uncovered. He finished with five assists and four steals in his most complete collegiate performance to date.

With the win, St. Edward's moves to 5–0, continuing a promising start built on a defense that travels and an offense layering itself week by week. The Hilltoppers return home Tuesday to host Our Lady of the Lake University.