Box Score LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Newcomer Vance Hall poured in 25 points to lead the Bellarmine Knights to a 75-64 victory over Wayne State in the season debut for both teams tonight in Knights Hall.

Hall, a junior transfer from Wright State, bolstered his 5-of-7 field goal shooting by going a perfect 14 of 14 from the free throw line as Bellarmine gradually turned the a close game into a double digit lead in the late stages of the second half. The Frankfort native easily surpassed his old career high of 13 points, which he achieved on three different occasions at Wright State.

“As the game went on, our team trusted each other more and more and more at both ends of the floor, and that's why we won the game,” said Bellarmine Coach Scott Davenport.  “That's new guys playing together…I couldn't be more proud of this team.”

Neither team led by more than six points during the first half as the Warriors took a 38-36 halftime advantage.  Wayne State corralled nine offensive boards and put up 19 more shots than the Knights in the first period as they tallied eight second chance points compared to none for BU.

After the break, the Knights went to work on the offensive glass.  Led by sophomore transfer Jake Thelen's seven second half offensive rebounds, the Knights came up with 11 second-chance points in the final frame. Thelen finished with a game high 11 rebounds.

Neither team could get separation until Bellarmine finally pulled away over the last 8:01, extending a 3-point lead to 16 by the 1:04 mark.

Bellarmine preseason All-American Chris Dowe had a solid effort for the Knights despite being hampered with foul trouble.  The senior from Eastern High School finished with 18 points before fouling out at the 3:11 mark.

Wayne State was led by Chene Phillips with 18 points. 

Bellarmine returns to action on Saturday afternoon when they entertain Grand Valley State University at 3:15 p.m.

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