AUSTIN, TX – It was not the season opener anyone affiliated with Colorado Christian was hoping for.

In the second game of the Heartland/RMAC Conference challenge St. Edwards used a strong first half to help propel them to a 93-67 victory against the Cougars.

The first contest at the event saw Colorado Mesa knock off No. 21 Dallas Baptist 91-80.

EARLY BREAK AWAY: The game swung in the Hilltoppers favor in the early going. With the score knotted at 8-8 just before the first media timeout, St. Edwards proceeded to score nine straight, and 23 of the next 31, points to take as they took a 31-16 lead just after the halfway point of the opening frame.

After the Cougars got within 10 points (31-21) with 7:05 left until halftime, the Hilltoppers scored 12 unanswered points in helping them take a 49-28 advantage after the opening half.

In the second 20 minutes, St. Edwards kept the Cougars at bay at the team from the Lone Star state methodically grew their lead.

COUGAR LEADERS

In his Colorado Christian debut Braxton Tucker scored a game best 20 points as he made eight of his 12 field goal attempts. The Portland State transfer also grabbed a team best seven rebounds. Justin Engesser went 5-for-9 from the floor en route to a 14-point effort.

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

- St. Edwards took over half of their shots (72) from behind the arc (38). They made 13 shots from deep
- Colorado Christian made four of their 14 shots from behind the arc
- The Hilltoppers held a plus-13 edge in turnovers (17-4) which they translated into a 31-7 edge in points off turnovers

UP NEXT: The Cougars continue their weekend at the event as they play Dallas Baptist tomorrow at 1 p.m.