HOUSTON – The Celts of the University of St. Thomas continued their winning ways Friday as they defeated Texas Lutheran 87-68.

At UST's Jerabeck Center, the Celts overwhelmed the visiting Bulldogs in the second quarter to seize control of the game. UST outscored its guests 24-10 in the period to take a 43-33 lead into halftime; the Celts finished the period on a 11-2 run.

Bresha Orange (SR/Longview, Texas) scored 19 points to lead four Celts players in double-figures. Micayla Hamilton (FR/Richmond, Texas) and Sheridan Hopkins (SR/Galveston, Texas) scored 17 points apiece for UST, while Aerial Starks (SO/Houston, Texas) chipped in 13 points off the UST bench.

The Celts (10-4) improved to 5-2 in Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference play. The Celts added 27 more points in the third quarter and led 70-48 going into the final period.

Morgan Rodriguez and Kasey Hairell scored 12 points apiece for TLU (5-8, 3-3 SCAC).

The Celts played an all-around team game Friday, as they handed out 23 assists on 33 field goals and also committed only nine turnovers in the game. Jazz Taylor (SR/Duncanville, Texas) handed out seven assists and recorded five steals for the Celts, while Orange had five assists and five steals.

The Celts return to action Sunday when they host Southwestern (Texas). Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.