Basketball | 1/6/2023 11:53:00 AM

DENTON, Texas (Jan. 6, 2023)— After a record-breaking night in Kitty Magee Arena on Thursday, the Texas Woman's basketball team looks to continue to play with high energy, as the Pioneers host St. Edward's at home on Saturday at 2 p.m.

TWU (12-1, 7-0) won by 30 points on Thursday night against St. Mary's, marking their highest margin of victory this season. Additionally, they scored 35 points in the third quarter—a program history high.

On Thursday night, St. Edward's (7-8, 3-4) played on the road at UT Tyler, losing to the Patriots 64-46. Thursday's games also marked the first of a four-game road trip for the Hilltoppers.

The Hilltoppers have three wins in Lone Star Conference action this season. They have defeated Texas A&M – Kingsville (67-65), Midwestern State (63-56) and Western New Mexico (64-57).

The Pioneers will tip off with the Hilltoppers on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. in Kitty Magee Arena.

BACK AT HOME

• All TWU staff members and students receive free popcorn at the concession stand! During the game, show your TWU ID to the concession stand staff to receive your free popcorn!
• Make sure to secure your tickets for tomorrow's game here.
• If you are unable to make it to the KMA, make sure to watch the Pioneers here or follow along with live stats here.

TRIPLE THREAT

• LOOK BACK: All time against the Hilltoppers, TWU is 7-5, dating back to the 1989-90 season. Most recently, the Pioneers defeated St. Edward's on Jan. 8, 2022 at home in Kitty Magee Arena, 70-57. In the win last season, the Pioneers recorded two quarters of 20 or more points and Sadie Moyer hit her season-high (at the time) of 21 points. Sammie Dufek, a current graduate student for St. Edward's, was the Hilltoppers leading scorer in the game last year, scoring 14 points.
• EFFICIENCY IS KEY: On Thursday night, the Pioneers were very efficient on offense. The Pioneers shot 13-15 from the field for 86.67%. TWU also shot 50% from the field in the second and fourth quarters. On the game, they shot a season-high 53.2% from the field. Over half of the Pioneers' points came from the paint, 52, which was also a season-high. High efficiency on offense will lead to successful outcomes for the Pioneers. In their loss to UT Tyler, St. Edward's shot 31% from the field, 26.9% from three and 81.3% from the free throw line.
• ASSISTS VS. TURNOVERS: Against St. Mary's, TWU tied their season-high in assists with 17. They also forced the Rattlers into 25 turnovers. St. Edward's gave up 23 turnovers in their game against UT Tyler. The Hilltoppers average 21.7 turnovers per game, while the Pioneers average 15.8 points off turnovers. TWU ranks seventh in the LSC in Assist to Turnover Ratio with a 0.78 ratio. They also rank fourth in turnover margin at 2.85. Sharing the ball on offense and forcing turnovers on defense will be key for the Pioneers on Saturday.