LOUISVILLE, Ky.---Behind a 20 point first half performance from junior Lauren Jones, the Bellarmine University women's basketball team cruised to a 79-59 victory over Illinois-Springfield on Thursday night in Knights Hall.

The Knights (11-8, 6-5 GLVC) fell behind 0-2 after the Prairie Stars (5-14, 1-11 GLVC) hit the opening shot of the game, but never trailed after Jones went to work hitting a three to get on the board. Jones stayed hot throughout the first half as she connected on 4-7 from behind the arc.

Shorthanded due to a plague of injuries, Bellarmine also hit the glass as they outrebounded Illinois-Springfield 24-17 in the first half. The Knights went into tintermission leading 39-27 after hitting 7-16 three pointers.

The second half brought more of the same for Bellarmine. They kept the pressure on as they forced the Prairie Stars into 8-40 (20.0%) shooting in the second half.

Jones finished the game with 28 points to lead all scorers while also pulling down nine rebounds.The Knights also go a double-double from Jalissa Chatlos as she 10 points and 12 rebounds and 11 points off the bench from Chelsea Hawkins.

Alyssa Palmer led the Prairie Stars with 12 points while Bailey Beale had 11 of her own.

Bellarmine will return to action this Saturday at Knights Hall as they take on Quicny at 2:00 p.m.