AUSTIN, Texas – St. Edward's women's basketball celebrated its 50th Anniversary game and Senior Day with a 69-63 victory over the Oklahoma Christian Eagles.
The Hilltopper backcourt of J.P. and
KIANA BENNETT took over in the fourth quarter, combining for 13 points on 5-for-9 shooting in the final minutes to lead a 23-16 run over the Eagles. Bennett led St. Edward's with a game-high 17 points, shooting 7-for-16 with three 3-pointers, and J.P. finished with 15 points on nine shots.
Kate Bradley opened the first quarter with a pair of 3-pointers, scoring eight points in the first 10 minutes, leading Oklahoma Christian to an early 12-7 lead.
J.P. responded with a pull-up jumper, and Bennett ripped Ciara Harris and drained a 3-pointer to spark a 9-0 run.
RAMSEY ROBLEDO followed with two free throws, and
BAILEY FEATHERSTONE capped it off with a layup for the 16-12 lead.
Dobbs stopped the run with a layup, but St. Edward's closed the quarter with a drive from Robledo and a 3-pointer from J.P. to take a 21-16 lead.
St. Edward's offense struggled in the second quarter, shooting 23.1 percent with six turnovers, and Nakia Cullom and Reagan Berry combined for 11 points to give Oklahoma Christian a 32-30 halftime lead.
Harris carried Oklahoma Christian in the third quarter, scoring eight points on four shots to open a seven-point lead midway through with a 3-pointer. St. Edward's mustered another 9-0 run, sparked by Featherstone's short-range jumper and capped by Featherstone finding
RILEY MOORE for a 3-pointer with 2:32 remaining for the 44-42 lead.
Both teams exchanged buckets on the final few possessions, with Dobbs tipping in an offensive rebound to carry a 47-46 lead into the fourth.
St. Edward's J.P., Bennett, and Featherstone carried the scoring load in the fourth quarter. J.P. recorded two steals and scored seven points, Bennett hit a pair of 3-pointers, and Featherstone hit both field goal attempts and two free throws, finishing with 14 points.
The Hilltoppers improved to 11-16 with a 7-10 conference record. St. Edward's will travel next week to play Eastern New Mexico and West Texas A&M.
