CANYON, Texas — A strong opening quarter kept St. Edward's within striking distance early, but No. 7 West Texas A&M used depth, rebounding, and sustained pressure to pull away for a 77-46 Lone Star Conference win Thursday evening at the First United Bank Center.

St. Edward's (9-5, 3-3 LSC) traded the lead six times in the opening period and briefly went ahead on a pair of baskets from KIANA BENNETT and KENDALL BECK, but West Texas A&M (14-1, 6-0 LSC) closed the quarter on an 8-2 run to take a 23-17 advantage.

The Lady Buffs steadily extended the margin in the second quarter, capitalizing on second-chance opportunities and bench scoring. Despite a spark from JASMINE FARMER, who knocked down a 3-pointer midway through the period and a pair of buckets from JASMYN JACKSON off the bench, West Texas A&M carried a 41-29 lead into halftime after shooting 43.8 percent from the field in the opening half.

West Texas A&M put the game out of reach in the third quarter, outscoring the Hilltoppers 21-8 behind efficient shooting and a 7-2 edge at the free-throw line. 

The Hilltoppers continued to compete through the final period, with Davis converting a fast-break layup late in the first quarter and Chapman and Beck each scoring inside during the second half, but West Texas A&M maintained control and closed out the conference victory.

SUNI DAVIS led St. Edward's with 16 points, attacking the lane and getting to the free-throw line throughout the night, while Bennett added nine points and a team-high 10 rebounds. MIKAH CHAPMAN and KENDALL BECK each chipped in seven points and four rebounds. 

St. Edward's shot 26.2 percent from the field and 12-for-16 from the free-throw line, while West Texas A&M finished at 43.8 percent overall and 14-for-18 from the free-throw line. 

The Hilltoppers will remain on the road, traveling to Portales, New Mexico to play Eastern New Mexico on Saturday.