OWENSBORO, Ky. --- Going on the road for a crucial Great Lakes Valley Conference game with in-state rival Kentucky Wesleyan College, the Bellarmine University women's basketball team held on for a 85-81 victory behind a balanced scoring effort that saw five Knights reach double-digits.
Stretching their winning streak to a conference best four games, Bellarmine (10-9, 4-7) continues their midseason surge. Meanwhile, Kentucky Wesleyan drops their second consecutive game after losing to Northern Kentucky on Thursday night.
Coach David Smith continues to see his team grow after each and every game . “When you go on the road and pick up a road victory against a quality team like Kentucky Wesleyan, it helps to take the sting off some of our early losses this season,” he said.
Kentucky Wesleyan led 2-0 in the first minute of play, but a three by senior
Allison Matheis gave the Knights the lead for the remainder of the game. After guard
Therese Montano was forced to the bench with three early fouls, Coach Smith and the Knights received a huge boost from guard
Betsy Goodin who scored 15 of her team high 17 points in the first half to propel BU to a 40-32 halftime lead.
The host Panthers threatened several times in the second half, but Bellarmine kept their poise and never surrendered the lead. “We played with a lot of confidence throughout the second half and it showed by the way we finished,” said Smith.
With ice in their veins, Bellarmine hit all 12 of their free throws after the under five media timeout to hold on for the 85-81 victory. For the game, the Knights hit 28-35 (.800) free throws, continuing their stretch of taking advantage of their opportunities at the line.
Behind Goodin's 17 points was
Kylie Brady (14 points),
Allison Osen (13 points), Montano (11 points) and
Kylee Hamilton (10 points) who all reached double-figures. KWC had four players reach double digits in scoring, led by Kristen Rowe's 17.
“Kentucky Wesleyan is one of the deepest teams in our conference and an NCAA tournament team last season, but I think we showed we have just as much talent and we can play with anyone,” said Smith. “
Allison Osen played tremendous down low, and Betsy really carried us in the first half.”
Bellarmine looks to pick up two more wins on the road next week as they travel to Wisconsin-Parkside on Thursday and to Lewis on Saturday. The Knights upset Parkside 82-79 on Feb. 21 when the Rangers were ranked No. 21 in the country.
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