SILVER CITY, N.M. — For four years, senior forward MIKAH CHAPMAN has brought energy and personality to the St. Edward's women's basketball program. On Thursday night, she delivered something equally valuable — resolve.

In the closing minutes of the Hilltoppers' 59-52 road win over Western New Mexico, Chapman anchored the paint and helped steady the tempo, finishing with 10 points and 12 rebounds to record a double-double as St. Edward's held off the Mustangs down the stretch.

The two teams played to a near draw early, with neither side separating by more than three points in a tightly contested first quarter. Western New Mexico shot 6-for-16 in the opening period, while Chapman controlled the glass with five early rebounds to set the tone physically.

The Hilltoppers shared the ball effectively, assisting on all six first-quarter field goals, with six different players accounting for those baskets. Mustang guard Jordan Sapien found her rhythm early, shooting 3-for-5 in the quarter and helping WNMU take a 14-13 lead into the break.

St. Edward's defense tightened in the second period. The Mustangs managed just 3-for-13 shooting and a single free-throw attempt in the quarter, while the Hilltoppers pieced together timely interior baskets. Reserves RILEY MOORE and KENDALL BECK provided a spark, as Moore knocked down a three and Beck finished around the rim to help St. Edward's carry a 24-21 lead into halftime.

Sapien paced Western with 11 first-half points, while the Hilltoppers countered with balance. St. Edward's assisted on seven of its 10 made field goals in the half and maintained a narrow edge inside as both teams battled through physical stretches.

The Hilltoppers extended their lead to nine in the third quarter behind improved defensive pressure. Western New Mexico was limited to just one made field goal in the period (1-for-10 shooting), though the Mustangs stayed within reach by converting 8-of-10 free throws. St. Edward's scored eight of its 13 third-quarter points in the paint and carried a 37-31 advantage into the fourth.

Western made one final push in the closing frame behind Sapien and Teeya Gordon, trimming the deficit and applying pressure in the half court. But the Hilltoppers responded with poise. KIANA BENNETT scored consecutive buckets, Beck finished inside, and St. Edward's capitalized at the free-throw line to stretch the margin back to multiple possessions.

Chapman's presence on both ends — securing defensive rebounds and converting around the rim — helped push the lead to double digits in the final minute and seal the outcome.

Chapman finished with 10 points and 12 rebounds to lead the effort. Bennett matched her with 10 points while adding seven rebounds and three assists. Beck recorded eight points and 10 rebounds, and Moore contributed six points off the bench as St. Edward's won the rebounding battle 43-30 and outscored Western New Mexico 34-24 in the paint.

With the win, St. Edward's improves to 13-13 overall and 7-11 in Lone Star Conference play. The Hilltoppers travel to Sul Ross State on Saturday before closing the regular season next week at St. Mary's.