AUSTIN, Texas — KIANA BENNETT scored 15 points in the second half, and the Hilltopper defense turned the screws in the third quarter of a 58-49 win over Western New Mexico University, wrapping up a five-game homestand with a five-game win streak. 
 
Both teams struggled to find the bottom of the net early. RAMSEY ROBLEDO kept the Hilltoppers afloat with a pair of layups, Jasmny Jackson grabbed seven rebounds in the first quarter of her first start alongside KENDALL BECK, and the frontcourt duo recorded a pair of blocks. 
 
Western New Mexico turned to its bench for five points, and got a 3-pointer from Natalie Magallnes late for a 10-9 lead at the end of the first quarter.
 
Magallnes remained locked in from long range in the second quarter, burying three 3-pointers in quick succession, while SUNI DAVIS and Kianna Bennett combined to shoot 4-for-7 for nine points, keeping St. Edward's within 26-23 at the break. 
 
Three Hilltoppers scored five points each, and Magallnes led all scorers with 12 of Western New Mexico's 26 points. 
 
Bennett set the tone on the defensive end with a steal on the first possession of the game and scored a layup for the first of eight consecutive points, followed by back-to-back 3-pointers. Beck recorded a steal and a putback on a missed layup to go up 33-28, forcing a Western New Mexico timeout. 
 
The Mustangs turned to a mass substitution, getting a floater from Randall, but Davis answered with three consecutive free throws, and Beck scored inside to extend the lead to eight. 
 
Bennett and Davis combined for 13 of St. Edward's 17 in the quarter, and St. Edward's forced 10 turnovers to take a 40-34 lead into the fourth quarter.
 
St. Edward's opened the fourth quarter with an 8-0 run carried by Bennett, Davis, and Robledo, opening a 16-point lead. Jordan Sapien responded with a parade to the free-throw line, hitting 4-for-6, while Davis iced the game from the free-throw line. 
 
Bennett led all scorers with 20 points, shooting 4-for-5 from deep, and added two steals and two assists. Davis added 16 points and four assists. Beck recorded 17 points, two steals, and two blocks in a solid defensive effort. 
 
St. Edward's improves to 6-2 with its second conference win. The Hilltoppers will travel next week to play UT Tyler on Saturday.