Oklahoma City, Okla. - The Lady Eagles returned to the Nest on Thursday and battled the Hilltoppers of St. Edward's in a neck-and-neck game until the final minutes.
 
St. Edward's took an early 9-5 lead in the first quarter, but the Eagles rattled off a 7-2 run to take their first lead at 12-11. Daijah Torns, Kate Bradley, and Natalie Smith, in her first game since December 1st, each scored during the run. But the Hilltoppers rattled off four points to take a 15-12 lead into the second quarter. Bradley led the Eagles in the quarter with 5 points.
 
Oklahoma Christian's defense shined down the stretch in the second quarter and held St. Edward's scoreless in the final three minutes as they cut the lead down to 24-23 heading into halftime. Jordan Francisco had 4 points, 2 rebounds, and an assist to lead the Eagles in the quarter.
 
Out of the halftime break, the Lady Eagles continued to battle, and a Brooklin Bain layup with 3:51 to play in the quarter tied the game at 31. The Hilltoppers went on a 6-2 run, but Brooklyn Long scored four points down the stretch, and another layup from Bain tied the game at 37 as the teams headed into the final quarter.
 
In the fourth quarter, the Eagles went cold, and the Hilltoppers had their best quarter of the game to pull away and win 57-46.
 
NEXT UP
 
Oklahoma Christian will return to the Nest on Saturday at 1 p.m. to take on St. Mary's.
 
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
 
Brooklin Bain: 11 points, 12 rebounds, and 1 block
Kate Bradley: 10 points, 3 assists, and 1 steal
Nakia Cullom: 7 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals