AUSTIN, Texas — St. Edward's spent the final three quarters fighting, adjusting, and pushing back. But an early avalanche created too steep a climb, as Angelo State defeated the Hilltoppers 73-57 Thursday evening at the Recreation and Athletic Center.
Angelo State dictated the opening tone immediately, turning defensive pressure into transition opportunities and building separation before St. Edward's could settle into rhythm. The Rambelles forced turnovers and converted them into quick points, closing the first quarter on a decisive run and taking a 25-6 lead after ten minutes.
The Hilltoppers responded with greater composure in the second quarter. After struggling to puncture the defense off the dribble early, St. Edward's found success attacking the paint through post entries, high-low action, and quick duck-ins.
KENDALL BECK sparked the push with a second-chance three-point play, and KIANA BENNETT found her rhythm from deep, knocking down a three-pointer to trim the deficit. St. Edward's also disrupted Angelo State's rhythm by shifting into a 1-3-1 zone, while MIKAH CHAPMAN added key interior baskets to anchor the response and help the Hilltoppers produce their most effective stretch of the half.
Angelo State adjusted with timely perimeter shooting, repeatedly finding Majik Esquivel in space. Esquivel poured in 14 second-quarter points, connecting on 4-of-6 from three-point range to help carry the Rambelles to a 46-24 lead at halftime.
St. Edward's continued to emphasize inside-out offense in the third quarter, collapsing the defense in the paint before moving the ball side-to-side. The approach freed Bennett for a dominant stretch, as she scored 14 points in the quarter and knocked down all three of her three-point attempts. The Hilltoppers outscored Angelo State 20-15 in the period, trimming the margin and injecting energy into the Recreation and Athletic Center.
Bennett continued to lead the charge in the final frame, finishing a turnover-forced possession with a three-pointer and adding another basket inside to sustain the momentum. Beck also converted a layup early in the quarter to bring St. Edward's closer, but Angelo State answered each surge with composed offense and free throws down the stretch to secure the victory.
Bennett led St. Edward's with 22 points, shooting 8-of-13 from the field and 5-of-7 from beyond the arc. Chapman added 14 points and a team-high six rebounds, while Beck contributed 11 points and three rebounds to help anchor the Hilltoppers inside.
St. Edward's shot 41.5 percent from the field and generated second-chance opportunities on the offensive glass, but Angelo State's efficiency—shooting 55.6 percent overall—and ability to convert turnovers into points proved decisive.
The Hilltoppers fall to 12-11 overall and 6-9 in Lone Star Conference play and will look to regroup Saturday for Senior Day at the Recreation and Athletic Center.
