THE RUNDOWN

The No. 6 ranked DBU Patriots (15-3, 7-2) defeated the St. Edward's Hilltoppers (10-7, 4-4) by an 18-point margin on Saturday afternoon. This win bolsters the Patriots lead over the Hilltoppers near the top of the LSC east division, as both schools continue to chase St. Mary's. DBU relied on elite outside shooting to claim victory over St. Edward's: The Patriots released 34 shots from behind the arc, tying their highest clip in the 24-25 campaign (January 5 vs. Oklahoma Christian). 

There were no points scored in nearly the first two minutes of today's intra-division clash, until Jackson McCabe rocked the rim to bring The Burg Center to life. Both teams utilized presses and traps in the front court, making for a chippy atmosphere throughout the duration of the game. Knotted at four in the early stages, the Patriots would then rattle off a 13-1 run and they wouldn't surrender the lead the rest of the afternoon. DBU entered halftime with a 17 point lead. 

Over two-thirds of the Patriot shot selection in the first half came from downtown. This trend continued early into the second half as both teams were trading bombs early. Both teams continued their defensive pressure, leading to both teams entering the bonus with a little over nine minutes remaining in the game. The Hilltoppers shrunk their deficit to as little as seven points, but forced turnovers and a Cody Stevens four point play with 3:30 remaining put the game away. 

Drew Calderon set a career high in points this afternoon (23), which led everyone on the floor. Ricky Lujan (6-7 fg) and Cody Stevens (4-7 3fg) were the other Patriots to finish in double-digits with 15, and 13, respectively. Isaac Bullard led the group in efficiency (min. 4 attempts), sinking each of his four field goals. Xavion Brown and Cameron Kahn led the group with six boards each, and Ricky Lujan facilitated the offense with a team leading seven assists. 

FOUR THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

- Ricky Lujan passed Myles Johnson (2017) to become 4th all time in points in program history. 

- Lujan also tied Johnson for the most career starts in program history with 121.

- Cameron Kahn made his 100th career start this afternoon.

- This afternoon was also Kahn's 130th career game, passing Jalen White (2023) for second all time in program history.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

44% - DBU's three-point percentage this afternoon is the third highest clip they've posted this season.

.789 - The Patriots free throw percentage this afternoon, which was also good for their third highest clip of the season.

+6 - DBU's assist differential in Saturday's contest against St. Edward's (21-15).

COMING UP NEXT

DBU hoops will begin a two-game road stint on Thursday against TAMU-Kingsville (7-8, 3-6).