AUSTIN, Texas — St. Edward's went toe-to-toe with No. 3 Texas Woman's for much of Saturday afternoon, but a decisive third-quarter surge by the nationally-ranked Pioneers proved the difference in a 78–69 Hilltopper loss at the Recreation and Athletics Center.

The Hilltoppers showed no intimidation early, trading baskets throughout the opening quarter and briefly taking the lead behind strong playmaking from KIANA BENNETT, who dished out three assists in the first quarter, and a pair of buckets from KENDALL BECK.

Forward Gabby Elliott countered for TWU, scoring 11 first-quarter points, hitting all five shots attempted and a free throw to lead the Pioneers to a 21-15 lead. 

Elliott turned in a dominant first half, scoring 21 of Texas Woman's 39 points on 9-for-9 shooting. The 6-foot-2 senior forward did not miss a shot until the final minute of play, scoring 27 points on 11-for-12 shooting from the field with eight rebounds and three steals. 

Texas Woman's reeled off a 5-0 run midway through the second, extending its lead to seven on a pair of Elliott free throws with 2:42 remaining in the half, but the Hilltoppers responded with a 9-3 run to tie the game at 39 on a Davis 3-pointer with 30 seconds remaining. 

Chapman, Beck, and Davis scored each for the Hilltoppers, and Bennett and RAMSEY ROBLEDO added five each, with Bennett adding five assists. 

Texas Woman's seized control coming out of halftime, leaning on its size and rebounding advantage in the paint. The Pioneers scored 21 third-quarter points, fueled by second-chance opportunities and efficient interior scoring, opening a double-digit lead late in the frame. St. Edward's managed just 11 points in the quarter, falling behind 60–50 heading into the fourth.

The Hilltoppers continued to battle in the final period, trimming the deficit to single digits multiple times. Bennett connected from deep twice, while Chapman, Davis, and JASMYN JACKSON earned free throws. Despite the push, Texas Woman's answered each run and closed the game at the line to secure the win.

Bennett led St. Edward's with 16 points and six assists, while Beck added 12 points. Chapman and Davis each scored 11. St. Edward's shot 40 percent from three-point range but was outscored 34-14 in the paint and surrendered 15 second-chance points.

St. Edward's moves to 9-8 overall and 3-6 in Lone Star Conference play, while Texas Woman's improves to 15–1 on the season.