SILVER CITY, N.M. — St. Edward's battled deep into the second half but could not overcome an early deficit, falling 88-77 to Western New Mexico on Thursday afternoon at Drag's Court.

The Hilltoppers (23-6, 12-6 LSC) found themselves chasing the game from the outset, as Western New Mexico seized control late in the first half behind timely shooting and second-chance opportunities. After briefly grabbing an early lead, St. Edward's struggled to find rhythm offensively, shooting just 27.8 percent in the opening period while the Mustangs closed on a 12-3 run to take a 37-28 advantage into the break.

Western New Mexico extended its cushion early in the second half, building a double-digit lead behind efficient interior scoring and a surge from beyond the arc. The Mustangs shot 65.5 percent in the second half and finished the game at 50.8 percent from the field, consistently answering each Hilltopper push.

St. Edward's found life through its backcourt, led by RYDER BRADLEY's 22 points on an aggressive night attacking the defense. CONOR MCMANUS added 15 points, knocking down five three-pointers, while BLAKE NIELSEN contributed 14 points and five rebounds. JAMISON KAY chipped in 11 points and seven boards as the Hilltoppers shot a perfect 14-for-14 from the free-throw line.

The Hilltoppers trimmed the deficit to five midway through the second half, sparked by a stretch of perimeter shooting from McManus and steady scoring from Bradley. But each time St. Edward's threatened, Western New Mexico responded — most notably behind Nolan Brown's 24 points, including a barrage of second-half threes that helped stretch the lead back to double digits.

Western New Mexico also held a decisive edge on the glass (42-34) and received a major lift from its bench, which outscored St. Edward's reserves 34-11.

Despite a more efficient second half offensively, the Hilltoppers could not fully erase the first-half gap, as the Mustangs controlled the game for more than 38 minutes and protected home court down the stretch.