AUSTIN, Texas — St. Edward's matched UT Permian Basin step for step for much of the afternoon, leaning on veteran leadership and timely execution to carry a lead into the second half. But a decisive fourth-quarter run allowed the Falcons to pull away late, handing the Hilltoppers a 69–57 defeat Saturday afternoon at the Recreation and Athletic Center.

St. Edward's opened with composure, turning defensive stops into early scoring opportunities. KIANA BENNETT attacked the lane for a pair of early baskets, and RAMSEY ROBLEDO drilled a three-pointer midway through the first quarter to give the Hilltoppers their first lead. Bennett added a late jumper to help St. Edward's close the opening period tied at 15–15 behind Bennett's seven first-quarter points. 

The Hilltoppers carried that momentum into the second quarter behind MIKAH CHAPMAN's steady presence inside. Chapman sparked a run with a steal and fast-break finish, then added free throws and a second-chance basket to extend the advantage. Her poise in the paint helped St. Edward's maintain control through much of the frame, and her free throws in the closing seconds kept the Hilltoppers within one, trailing just 32–31 at halftime.

Chapman scored 10 points with two steals in the second quarter, shooting 3-for-3 from the field and 4-for-4 from the free-throw line to lead the Hilltoppers at the half. Bennett added nine on 4-for-7 shooting. 

St. Edward's delivered its strongest stretch coming out of the break.

KENDALL BECK ignited the surge with consecutive baskets, and Robledo extended the lead with a three-pointer. Chapman continued to anchor the offense inside, and RILEY MOORE added a fast-break three that pushed the Hilltoppers ahead by six — their largest lead of the game — as St. Edward's seized momentum midway through the third quarter.

UT Permian Basin responded with persistence.

The Falcons capitalized on turnovers and second-chance opportunities late in the third quarter, closing on a run to reclaim a 52–49 lead entering the final period.

The fourth quarter proved decisive.

After shooting efficiently through the first three quarters, the Hilltoppers struggled to find rhythm offensively, converting just three field goals in the period. UT Permian Basin extended its advantage with free throws and transition opportunities, using a sustained run to create separation and close out the contest.

Chapman led the Hilltoppers with 14 points on 5-for-7 shooting, adding five rebounds and four steals, continuing her consistent interior presence. SUNI DAVIS battled foul trouble to contribute 13 points and four assists, and Bennett added nine points while helping direct the offense throughout the afternoon.

St. Edward's finished the game shooting 46.7 percent from the field and a perfect 10-for-10 at the free-throw line, but was ultimately undone by turnovers and late scoring droughts.

The Hilltoppers showed resilience throughout, controlling stretches of the game and building momentum in the third quarter before the Falcons' late surge shifted the outcome. 

St. Edward's will travel on a quick turnaround to play Oklahoma Christian on Monday as part of a three-game road trip next week.