Box Score LEBANON, Ill. --- A second half barrage powered the Bellarmine University women's basketball team to an 89-62 victory over the McKendree University Bearcats in a Monday night matchup of two Great Lakes Valley Conference Eastern Divisional foes.

After a competitive first half that saw Bellarmine (14-4, 4-3 GLVC) hold a 37-34 advantage at the break, the Knights used a 20-4 run in the early goings of the second period to put away the scrappy Bearcats for good.  BU torched the nets in the Melvin Price Convocation Center by hitting 35 of 61 shots for 57.4%.

With the offense lighting up the scoreboard, Bellarmine wore down the Bearcats by turning up the pressure of the defensive end, with an emphasis on locking down Caty Ponce, who came into the game ranking fourth in the GLVC in scoring at 16.4 ppg. Ponce had her way in the first half, tallying 14 before the break, but Bellarmine shutdown the sophomore in the final stanza affording her just three points, which came with 43 seconds remaining in the contest.

The Knights were clicking on both ends which allowed Chancellor Dugan to sub freely. All 11 players that saw action scored with the BU bench pounding the McKendree subs to the tune of a 54-2 advantage. Darion Hutchinson had 14 points with Kylee Hamilton adding a season-high 11 to pace the reserves.

After hitting a season-best 9 3-pointers in Saturday's win over Lewis, the Knights one-upped themselves by hitting 10 threes against the Bearcats. Senior Rachel Greenwell opened the game by hitting back-to-back treys, hitting a third later in the half to finish the game with 9 points.

Finishing 13-14 last season, the Knights have now eclipsed their win total in Dugan's first year.

Bellarmine will hit the hardwood two more times this week with both games being on the road. On Thursday the Knights will travel to St. Joseph's before heading to Indianapolis next weekend for a bout with UIndy.

Box Score