WICHITA FALLS, Texas -- At full strength, Midwestern State would have its hands full with challenges presented by No. 7 St. Edward's.
 
Without senior starting backcourt duo Darius Thompson and Elijah Lee, the task was just too tall as the Hilltoppers rolled to a 98-60 win Thursday night at D.L. Ligon Coliseum.
 
"There's no doubt that they are for real," MSU coach Justin Leslie said. "They were just clicking on all cylinders and taking advantage of us being shorthanded."
 
St. Edward's cruised to its seventh straight win improving to 13-1 on the season, while handing the Mustangs their most lopsided home loss in Ligon Coliseum history. It was also the first meeting between the programs since 2009.
 
SEU senior guard August Haas distributed 12 of the Hilltoppers' 29 assists, while senior guard Ashton Spears scored 17 points and dished out six more dimes. The duo led a quick striking attack which claimed a 34-4 edge in fast break points.
 
"We knew we had to control tempo. We knew if we let the game get fast and just free and easy that they were in a position that they could score a lot of points very fast," Leslie said. "With our two guards out, we could not control the tempo of the game. Their senior backcourt imposed their will."
 
Junior Corey Sherville paced the 'Topper offense with 18 points, while senior Dorian Lopez (16 points, 12 rebounds) and junior Jake Krafka (14 points, 9 rebounds) flirted with double-doubles.
 
Sophomore guard Trae Jones connected on four 3-pointers to lead the Mustangs with 14 points, while Jalin Brown and Reggie Riviera pitched in eight points each. Senior Ola Ayodele enjoyed a solid all-around performance with seven rebounds and six assists despite scoring two points.
 
Midwestern State takes on St. Mary's (Texas) Saturday afternoon at D.L. Ligon Coliseum. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m.