Silver City – For the second straight night, St. Edwards University's basketball teams left Drag's Court with victories – one easy and one hard fought. Western's men's team (1-12, 1-2 HC) dropped a heart breaker 76-70 to the Hilltoppers (13-3, 3-0 HC) while the short-handed Lady Stangs (2-10, 1-2 HC) were defeated 67-33.

The men's game was a real barn-burner with the second half lead changing hands several times. Western took a 39-37 lead to the halftime locker room, and led the game as late as the 6:00 minute mark. But the Hilltoppers remained tough on the offensive end, nailing shots at crunch time and controlling the paint.

Western couldn't match Saturday night's 60 percent shooting night, but did manage a respectable 45 percent, just on percent point lower than St. Eds.

The game also marked the first time of the season that Western has out-rebounded an opponent in a game, although by only two boards (36-34) -- still the game may have been the Mustangs' best effort around the glass. Matt Enriquez and Kris Taylor led the WNMU scoring with 14 points each, while Mike Sells added 11.

St. Edward's David Lunn led the way for the Hilltoppers with 23 points, while teammate Daniel Pierre notched a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

The Lady 'Stangs, who started the game with just six players fell for the second-straight night to St. Edwards and could never really make a game of it. The Hilltoppers (6-9, 2-1 HC) came strong, and were able to take advantage of the tired Mustangs despite shooting just 38 percent from the field. WNMU managed just 21 percent.

Sarah Bennetts led WNMU in scoring, getting 13 points with Crystal Smith added 11.

Both teams return to the court next weekend at Panhandle State for two games each.