Box Score LOUISVILLE, Ky. --- In a game that could be compared to a heavyweight bout, the Bellarmine Knights outlasted the Great Lakes Valley Conference leading Lewis Flyers 74-70 in Knights Hall on Saturday afternoon.

A stellar defensive performance along with a season-high 20 points from junior Therese Montano propelled Bellarmine (13-4, 3-3 GLVC) to their 13th win of the season, matching their total from a year ago.

“This was a great defensive performance against as very, very good team,” said Chancellor Dugan. “I'm more than pleased with this performance and excited for where this team is headed.”

Although the Knights held a nine point advantage at the break, 42-33, Lewis (11-3, 4-2 GLVC) fought their way back early in the second half, cutting the lead to two after a 3-pointer from Nikki Nellen made it 46-44 with 16:48 to play.

The Flyers continued to push the pace by attacking the rim as Bellarmine was forced to get deep into their rotation after being strapped with foul trouble. The foul trouble never sunk the Knights though as they went punch-for-punch with the Flyers for the final 15 minutes of the game.

Bellarmine led for all but 16 seconds of that span, but they could never build a lead of more than eight. After outplaying Lewis in the opening half, Dugan knew her team had to brace themselves for a counterpunch from Lewis. “They're a very skilled, very well coached team. We knew they were going to make a run in the second half and we handled it really well for the most part.”

With the shot clock running down with just over eight minutes to play, and clinging to a 61-60 lead, Lewis forced Montano into an off-balance shot that didn't draw iron. But Morgan Clemons grabbed the offensive rebound and followed it with a jumper of her own to keep the play alive. Although that shot was off target (but did hit the rim), Clemons, pulled down her own rebound, one of 11 in the game for the sophomore, and kicked it out to the left corner for a Montano three to make it 64-60.

The Knights hit a season-high nine treys in the game, but none were bigger than Kylie Brady's with 2:33 to play that turned a one-point deficit into a two point lead that Bellarmine never surrendered. Brady finished with 10 points, passing Lyndsey Neal for 22nd place on the program's all-time scoring list.

On the flip side, the Knights held Lewis, who came into the game leading the conference in 3-point percentage, to just 4-15 (26.7%), something that drew a smile from their coach. “I want our teams to hang their hats on the defensive end. Our offense is going to be there, but it's a defensive performance like this that wins championships.”

Betsy Goodin chipped in 13 point off the bench as the BU subs outscored Lewis' 34-11. Montano and Darion Hutchinson each registered 4 steals apiece as the Knights totaled 12 in the game.

Dugan went on to call this one of their best wins of the year. “More than anything I'm happy that this was a 'team win.' We got in some foul trouble, but the girls didn't let that get them down. They cared more about picking up each other and getting this win than anything else. That's the mark of a great team.”

Bellarmine has a quick turnaround before their next game as they will head to the GLVC newest member, McKendree University, on Monday night for a 6:30 p.m. showdown.

BOX SCORE