LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Brittany Edelen and Kylie Brady led the way as Bellarmine University held off a hard-closing Queens College 82-74 in the first round of the United Electric Holiday Tournament at Knights Hall. 

Bellarmine, now 7-1 on the season, came out strong and controlled the first half by shooting 45.7 percent from the field while holding Queens to just 33.3 percent as the home team built a 47-28 halftime lead. The Knights also controlled the boards in the first half leading Queens 29-12 off the glass. 

During the second half Queens slowly chipped away at the large lead and got to within six points late in the game. The New York team was able to trim the Bellarmine lead by shooting 44.4 percent from the three-point line and 51.6 percent overall in the second half. Meanwhile, Bellarmine went scoreless from beyond the arc and connected on just 25 percent of their shots in the second period.

“It's frustrating,” Bellarmine Head Coach David Smith said after the game. “We played so well in the first half, and then were an embarrassment in the second half. A win is a win I guess,” he said. 

Brady and Edelen each scored in double figures tonight with Brady totaling 23 and Edelen recording 14. Jalissa Chatlos led Bellarmine in rebounds tonight as she set a new career high for the second game in a row by grabbing 14 boards on the night. 

Bellarmine recorded 29 of their points from the charity stripe while shooting 85.3 percent for the game.

Chris Harnischfeger scored 26 points, 18 from beyond the three-point arc, to lead Queens, who fell to 1-9 on the season. 

Bellarmine will be in action again tomorrow night for the championship game of the United Electric Holiday Tournament against Edinboro University. Tip is set for approximately 8 pm at Knights Hall. Queens will face Merrimack College in the consolation game at 6 p.m.