AUSTIN, Texas — Midwestern State (4-8, 2-3 Lone Star) fell to No. 13 St. Edward's (14-2, 3-2 Lone Star) 90-68 on Sunday at the Recreation and Convocation Center. The Mustangs managed 35 points off the bench but were unable to overcome the Hilltoppers' 12 three-pointers and 36 fast-break points.
St. Edward's got off to a strong start, building an early lead with a series of effective plays in the paint. Mason Courtney and Ryder Bradley each contributed key points, with Bradley's three-pointer at 17:27 pushing the home team's advantage to seven. MSU responded with efforts from
Davyon Butler and
Orlando Horton, Jr., but SEU maintained control, ending the half with a 47-30 lead. Jamison Kay's layup and Mason Courtney's three-pointer in the final minute helped extend their lead as the half closed.
The Hilltoppers maintained momentum in the second half, extending their lead with an early three-pointer by Mason Courtney at the 19:38 mark, assisted by Jamison Kay. The Mustangs'
Tehshaundre Cole responded with a pair of free throws to narrow the gap briefly. Despite a defensive effort that included a steal and fast-break dunk by Butler at 15:27, the Hilltoppers capitalized on their fast-break opportunities, highlighted by a three-pointer from Conor McManus at 7:59. The home team outscored their visitors 43-38 in the half, securing a decisive victory.
Butler tallied 16 points, converting 5 of his 15 field goal attempts, and added six rebounds. Horton Jr. matched Butler with 16 points, hitting three 3-pointers and finishing perfect from the free-throw line with three attempts.
Antwan Taylor contributed 11 points on 5-for-10 shooting and collected six rebounds.
Mason Courtney led SEU with 18 points, including four 3-pointers, while contributing eight rebounds and two blocks. Robert Conrad was efficient, scoring 13 points on 6-for-7 shooting and adding two steals. Kay added 12 points and was a defensive presence with three blocks and seven rebounds. McManus also recorded 13 points, hitting three from beyond the arc, and secured six rebounds along with two steals.
Up next for the Maroon & Gold, they will host No. 8 Lubbock Christian on Thursday, Jan. 8 at D.L. Ligon Coliseum in Wichita Falls, Texas. The game is set to tip off at 7:30 p.m.
