SAN ANTONIO — Fort Lewis College scored point-blank layups on its first two possessions of the game, which is the most holiday generosity the Lone Star Conference's stingiest defense surrendered before locking down the Skyhawks in an 87-61 St. Edward's win. 
 
BLAKE NIELSEN reached 1,000 career points, and CONOR MCMANUS broke through with five 3-pointers, leading four of St. Edward's five starters in double figures with 19 points. The senior scorched the nets for 16 points on 6-for-11 shooting, hitting 4-for-9 from deep with three steals and two assists in the first half, including two 3-pointers in the last five minutes of the half for the 45-22 lead at the break. 
 
JAMISON KAY added 11 points, getting to the free-throw line early and often, making six in the half and shooting 3-for-3 with four rebounds and three assists before the break. 
 
The Hilltopper offense flowed freely, assisting on 12 of its first 14 made field goals to only six turnovers, including 9-for-20 shooting from the 3-point line in the first half. It was a breakthrough offensive performance for a No. 16-ranked Hilltopper team that has hung its hat on defense this season, finally combining the two for a dominant 20 minutes. 
 
St. Edward's limited Fort Lewis College to 8-for-29 shooting, including 1-for-10 from deep over the first 20 minutes. Compounding matters, the Hilltopper defense forced 11 turnovers, including nine steals, which it converted into 13 first-half points. 
 
Fort Lewis College opened the second half on a 9-0 run, led by Chuol Deng, who scored five of his eight second-half points on the Skyhawks' first two possessions with a tip-in and 3-pointer. 
 
St. Edwards responded with a 15-0 run of its own midway through the half. RYDER BRADLEY and Kay sparked the run with two free throws and a dunk, then Nielsen orchestrated most of the rest. He found McManus for a 3-pointer on one possession, then Kay for another, followed by a 3-pointer of his own. 
 
Nielsen and Bradley combined for 14 second-half points, Kay added seven, and the Hilltoppers forced eight more turnovers and 13-for-30 shooting to close the game. 
 
McManus added four rebounds, four assists, and three steals to his 19 points. Kay scored 18, Nielsen contributed 14 points, six rebounds, and four assists, and Bradley added 10 points on five shots. 
 
St. Edward's improves to 12-1 this season. The Hilltoppers will remain in San Antonio to play the University of Central Oklahoma tomorrow.