SPRINGFIELD, Ill.—The Bellarmine University men's basketball team got 18 points from junior Justin Benedetti as the Knights gutted out a 71-67 road victory over the University of Illinois-Springfield this afternoon at “The TRAC.”

The Knights, playing in what the Bellarmine coaching staff called a must win, overcame 16-2 run by the Prairie Stars and took control late in the proceedings to post the victory. 

Bellarmine opened the game solidly and built a 10-point lead with 5:32 remaining in the first half. However, the home team—fueled by solid offensive rebounding and 3-point shooting-- closed the opening period on a 16-2 run to take a 37-33 lead at the intermission.

Coming out of the break, Bellarmine was able to close the gap quickly, tying the score at 37-37 with 16:22 on the clock. From that point, neither team led by more than six points with the teams battling with five more ties and seven lead changes until Benedetti gave the Knights the lead for good with a jumper at the 2:45 mark.

After gaining the lead, Bellarmine was able to keep the Prairie Stars at bay with good defense and solid free throw shooting.  Jeremy Kendle gave the Knights a 4-pont lead and sealed the win with a free throw with six seconds remaining.

“The most difficult thing to do in college basketball is winning on the road,” said Bellarmine Coach Scott Davenport. “So I'm incredibly encouraged.”

Davenport said the UIS team presented a particularly tough challenge for Bellarmine. “This was a difficult matchup for us because their strengths are our weaknesses.” 

Benedetti provided the scoring power for the Knights, and center Oladapo Fagbenle had a solid game with 10 points and nine rebounds. Kendle chipped in with 17 points, and sophomore Braydon Hobbs had five assists to lead the Knights.

Richard Oruche of UIS led all scorers with 23 points, despite hitting just five of 10 free throws. 

Bellarmine improves to 14-7, 7-5 GLVC, while UIS falls to 8-10, 5-8.

The Knights return to action on Thursday when they host GLVC foe Missouri S&T. Tip is scheduled for 8 p.m.

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