Wilson and Banks Double-Double to Lead Women's Basketball to 75-70 Win Over St. Edward's

AUSTIN — The St. Mary's Women's Basketball team got a 75-70 road victory over St. Edward's on Saturday in Austin, thanks to double-doubles from Soteria Banks and Hannah Wilson.

Banks, a junior from Round Rock, Texas led the team in points and a career-high rebounds with 26 and 11, respectively, while Wilson -- a junior from Fredericksburg, Texas had a season-high 16 points and four steals, to go along with 10 boards. Senior Alexia Torres rounded out the Rattlers' double-figure scorers with 11 points, and added five rebounds, six assists and three steals. 

The Hilltoppers took an 8-2 lead early in the first quarter, but the Rattlers rallied to take a 12-11 lead. They closed the quarter on a 10-3 run to lead 26-19 after the first quarter. St. Edward's brought the score within one, 28-27, midway through the second quarter, but were once again able to close the quarter well on a 10-4 run to take a 41-34 lead into the half. Banks led the team with 16 points at the break.

St. Edward's closed the gap almost immediately in the second half, making it 41-40 early. The Rattlers were able to stave off the attack until the Hilltoppers eventually tied the game at 51 and then took a 52-51 lead with under two minutes remaining in the third quarter. St. Mary's was able to hang on, however, and took a 56-55 lead into the final period.

The Hilltoppers took a brief lead, 60-59, a few minutes into the fourth quarter, but back-to-back buckets by Wilson put the Rattlers back on top for good. St. Mary's went 7-for-8 from the free-throw line in the final minute to seal the victory. 

Following the Christmas break, the Rattlers will be back in action on Thursday, Jan. 2 at 5:30 p.m. against Arkansas-Fort Smith at Bill Greehey Arena.