Box Score LAREDO, Texas – BAILEY FEATHERSTONE went off in the fourth quarter, and the Hilltopper defense clamped down in a 60-43 St. Edward's women's basketball win over Texas A&M International.
Featherstone continues to lead a resurgent Hilltopper bench, going on a scoring spree in the second and fourth quarters for a career-high 24 points. J.P. added 14 points.
St. Edward's struggled through a sluggish start offensively, scoring just six points in the opening quarter.
KIANA BENNETT hit a 3-pointer,
MIKAH CHAPMAN added a bucket, and J.P. was 1-for-4 from the free-throw line.
Texas A&M International took advantage with 3-pointers from Trinity Chears and Bahar Kalkan, and the Dustdevils flourished at the free-throw line, shooting 7-for-9 to take a 17-6 lead.
St. Edward's settled in defensively in the second, cleaning up its fouls and limiting the Dustdevils to nine points. Featherstone almost single-handedly steadied the Hilltopper offense. St. Edward's sophomore forward showcased her combination of an explosive first step, strength, and footwork for 11 of the Hilltoppers' 16 points in the quarter. J.P. added the other five, hitting a 3-pointer, as the Hilltoppers climbed back to within four at 26-22.
Mia Monroe and Josie Igherighe extended Texas A&M International's lead in the third, scoring five points each. Monroe got free for a 3-pointer and a layup, and Igherighe hit another bucket and got to the free-throw line, where she shot 3-for-4.
St. Edward's went cold from the field, getting only two buckets from Featherstone. However, the Hilltoppers were able to make it up from the free-throw line, shooting 8-for-8 with four made by J.P. and two each from
RILEY MOORE and
AINSLEY THUNELL to stay within arm's reach at 40-34.
After ramping up its intensity all game, the Hilltopper defense finally broke Texas A&M International's offense in the fourth. St. Edward's pressed the length of the court, making the Dustdevils labor just to bring the ball up, let alone get a good look off.
The Hilltoppers outscored Texas A&M International 26-3 in the fourth quarter, led by
BAILEY FEATHERSTONE's nine points. J.P. added four, Bennett hit a 3-pointer and free throw,
AINSLEY THUNELL added a bucket and was 3-for-3 from the free-throw line, and
RAMSEY ROBLEDO and Chapman each scored.
St. Edward's improves to 10-13 with a 6-8 conference record. The Hilltoppers will return home to host nationally-ranked Texas Woman's University and UT Tyler next Thursday and Saturday.
