EDMOND, Okla. — For seven games, the Hilltoppers had dictated endings. They had trusted their structure, trusted their execution, and trusted the steady hands of the system that had carried them forward. Monday night, the game demanded one more finish — and this time, it belonged to Oklahoma Christian.
No. 15 St. Edward's fell 91-89 at the Eagles' Nest, snapping its seven-game winning streak in a Lone Star Conference battle defined by execution, response, and the smallest of margins.
BLAKE NIELSEN delivered one of the most complete performances of his career, finishing with 26 points and 10 assists while shooting 8-for-16 from the field and a perfect 8-for-8 at the free throw line. He controlled tempo throughout, creating offense with patience and precision as the Hilltoppers built and protected their advantage.
Around him, the offense moved with its familiar balance.
RYDER BRADLEY added 19 points and four rebounds,
MASON COURTNEY contributed 12 points and five boards, and
CONOR MCMANUS finished with 14 points and seven rebounds, stretching the defense from the perimeter and giving St. Edward's multiple avenues to score.
JAMISON KAY anchored the interior with 12 points and eight rebounds, helping stabilize the Hilltoppers through extended stretches of pressure.
St. Edward's shot efficiently, connecting on 48.4 percent from the field and 86.4 percent from the free throw line, numbers that reflected the clarity and composure of their offensive approach.
But Oklahoma Christian answered with its own rhythm, matching efficiency and capitalizing on key second-chance opportunities and late possessions. The game tightened possession by possession, neither team yielding control, neither team separating fully.
In the final seconds, St. Edward's free throws fell short and Oklahoma Christian converted theirs to take the lead, leaving the Hilltoppers just short as the horn sounded.
The loss does not erase what the Hilltoppers built over the past two weeks. It does not erase the identity that carried them through seven straight wins. It simply adds another layer to it — a reminder that in February, every possession must be earned again.
And the Hilltoppers will be ready to earn the next one.
