AUSTIN, Texas – St. Edward's women's basketball found its scoring rhythm late, but couldn't keep pace with the steady metronome of No. 7-ranked Lubbock Christian's offensive execution, falling 70-54 in the Recreation and Convocation Center. 
 
St. Edward's stayed within striking distance early, matching LCU possession for possession through the opening six minutes, alternating baskets between the frontcourt duo of MIKAH CHAPMAN and KENDALL BECK, taking a brief two-point lead midway through the first. Lubbock Christian responded with a 5-0 run to close the quarter, taking a 13-9 lead. 
 
The Hilltoppers went ice cold in the second quarter, missing several quality looks to go scoreless from the field, but staying afloat from the free-throw line, making 7-for-10. Both teams move their feet defensively through the entirety of the shot clock, but Lubbock Christian managed to push for that final switch, the one last pivot, or the extra inch needed to get its shots off, hitting 7-for-15 from the field to take a 30-16 lead into the break. 
 
Meg Meekins led Lubbock Christian's balanced scoring attack in the first half with six points and three assists, as 10 different Lady Chaps played and eight scored. Lubbock Christian outscored St. Edward's 18-4 in the paint, and 7-1 in bench points. 
 
Davis and Chapman combined for nine first-half points and 11 rebounds, and SUNI DAVIS added four from the free-throw line. 
 
St. Edward's found its shooting rhythm in the third, scoring 17 points on 6-for-12 shooting, but lost its defensive edge. The Hilltoppers and Lady Chaps exchanged 3-pointers, with KIANA BENNETT nailing 2-of-3. However, LCU got the better of the exchange, shooting 4-for-6 from deep to extend its lead to 23 while Bennett picked up three quick fouls, leaving the quarter early with four. 
 
Davis put together a late push in the fourth, scoring seven points, as St. Edward's got downhill and put pressure on the rim, then found kickouts for three more 3-pointers to outscore Lubbock Christian 21-14. 
 
Chapman led St. Edward's with 15 points on 6-for-12 shooting, five rebounds, and a block. Davis and Bennett each scored 11, and Beck added eight points, eight rebounds, and three assists. Meekins led three Lady Chaps in double figures with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists. 
 
St. Edward's has a quick turnaround, hosting Midwestern State on Sunday, January 4, at 1:00 p.m.