LOUISVILLE, Ky.--The Bellarmine University women's basketball team pulled away from St. Francis (Ind.) late in the second half to post an 86-68 victory in the inaugural MetroMedical Solutions Thanksgiving Classic tonight in Knights Hall.

The Knights had four players hit double figures, led by Allison Matheis, who had a career high 20 points.  Freshman Jalissa Chatlos posted a double-double for Bellarmine, grabbing 13 rebounds and tallying 13 points, which also set her career high.  

Bellarmine (4-0) jumped out to an early lead and ran out to a 46-32 halftime advantage fueled by Matheis's 17 first half points.  The Lady Cougars (3-3) clawed their way back in the game in the second period by forcing and capitalizing on multiple Bellarmine turnovers to get within seven at the 13:14 mark. 

The Knights, who finished the game with 27 turnovers, were able to regain their composure and pulled away down the stretch, extending their lead to 23 points with 1:23 remaining.

Joining Matheis and Chatlos in double figures for the Knights were Melissa Fitz, who rang up 19 points (her highest point production as a Knight), and Kylie Brady, who contributed 12 points.

St. Francis was led by Julie Seiss and Chanell Ridley, who both tossed in 16 for the Lady Cougars.

The eight-person "All Classic" team included: Abby Williams and Amie Newhart of Southern Indiana, Brooke Knight and Laura Baeczak of Hillsdale, Meghan Prible and Ridley of St. Francis, and Brady and Chatlos of Bellarmine.  Chatlos was named the Most Valuable Player of the Classic.

Bellarmine now steps into conference play as they travel to Evansville to take on Southern Indiana on Thursday.  On Saturday, the Knights make the trip to Owensboro to take on Kentucky Wesleyan.

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