AUSTIN, Texas — St. Edward's led for nearly 28 minutes and battled into the final possessions, but UT Tyler's late push proved decisive as RAMSEY ROBLEDO's game-tying 3-point attempt was blocked in the closing seconds of a 47–44 Hilltopper loss to the Patriots.

The Hilltoppers set the tone early with crisp ball movement and strong defensive energy, reeling off a 7–0 run in the opening minutes. The surge was sparked by a smooth jumper from center KENDALL BECK, who then found KIANA BENNETT for a kickout 3-pointer before Bennett capped the run with a cutting layup for a 7–3 lead.

St. Edward's defense limited UT Tyler to 4-for-13 (30.8 percent) shooting in the first quarter, while Bennett was a flamethrower offensively, scoring nine of her 12 points on 4-for-7 shooting to give the Hilltoppers a 15–10 advantage after one.

Both teams struggled from the field in the second quarter, but Hayley Cumming scored four unanswered points late in the half on back-to-back layups to trim the Hilltopper lead to one. Beck answered with another long jumper, sending St. Edward's into the break with a 24–21 lead.

The Hilltoppers forced eight UT Tyler turnovers in the first half and limited the Patriots to 39.1 percent shooting, while Bennett led all scorers with 12 points and Beck added six at the break.

The third quarter turned into a physical back-and-forth battle. MIKAH CHAPMAN anchored the interior with second-chance finishes and defensive rebounds as the Hilltoppers answered every UT Tyler run. Chapman scored eight of her 12 points in the period, helping St. Edward's carry a narrow 36–35 lead into the fourth.

UT Tyler found momentum early in the final frame, hitting timely perimeter shots to briefly seize the lead. St. Edward's responded with key baskets from Beck, who finished with 12 points, including a clutch second-chance jumper that tied the game at 38 midway through the quarter.

Despite multiple defensive stops down the stretch, the Hilltoppers couldn't convert in the closing minutes as UT Tyler edged ahead late and held on for the three-point victory.

Bennett, Beck, and Chapman led St. Edward's with 12 points apiece, while Chapman added a game-high nine rebounds to go along with three assists, a block, and a steal. Polina Latysheva paced UT Tyler with 13 points on three made 3-pointers, and Leila Davis added 11.

St. Edward's returns to Lone Star Conference action Saturday, hosting No. 3 Texas Woman's University at 1 p.m.