Box Score LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Shooting better than 50 percent for the game, the Bellarmine University women's basketball team lit up the scoreboard in a 91-83 conference win over the Saint Joseph's College Pumas on Saturday afternoon at Knights Hall. Both sophomore forward Sarah Galvin and freshman guard Jessica Hardin scored 14 points on the day.

Bellarmine (7-7, 3-3 GLVC) shot 30-for-58 (51.7 percent) in the game and 17-for-29 (58.6 percent) in the second half en route to a 91-point performance.

"I liked the way we pushed the ball and I thought our zone defense was good," said head coach Chancellor Dugan. "But we just need to be sharper."

Much of the first half did not go the way of the Knights. In just 7:46 after the opening tip, Bellarmine had turned the ball over 10 times and faced a seven point deficit to the Pumas, 16-9. The Knights made several pushes and were able to tie the game three times, but could not snag a lead over the visitors from Rensselaer, Ind.

With 2:55 left in the first half, a runner by sophomore guard Mariah Gador gave Bellarmine their first lead since the 17:25 mark, 33-32, and forced a time out by Saint Joseph's. Back-to-back fast break buckets by the Knights including a steal and layup with 1:37 remaining by sophomore guard Mackenzie Martinez pushed Bellarmine's lead to five, 37-32. The Knights would end the half holding a slim four point lead, 39-35.

"We had such lack of focus in the first half. It doesn't matter who you play, you have to be focused and ready to play," said Dugan.

After giving the ball up 10 times in the first eight minutes, Bellarmine did not turn the ball over again for the rest of the period. The Knights shot 13-for-29 (44.8 percent) in the first half while Saint Joseph's shot 14-for-26 (53.8 percent). The difference in the period was the rebounding margin. The Knights grabbed 19 boards, including 10 on the offensive end while the Pumas pulled down 12 rebounds.

Saint Joseph's (3-10, 1-5 GLVC) fought back early in the second half and stole the lead away from Bellarmine, during a 6-0 run that propelled SJC into a five point lead, 51-46, with 14:56 left in the game.

Two of BU's 16 offensive rebounds in the contest, and an ensuing layup by junior forward Morgan Clemons, sparked a 14-4 Knights run that gave Bellarmine a 60-55 lead with 11 minutes left in the contest. Bellarmine shot 6-for-8 over the run and held the Pumas to 1-for-4 shooting. The Knights forced four Saint Joseph's turnovers over the four minute stretch. All 14 of the Knights' points came in the paint or at the free throw line. Bellarmine would not trail again.

The Knights extended their lead to 10 points, 90-80, after a pair of free throws by Martinez, and ended the game shooting 6-for-8 from the line in the final minute of play, and went on to secure a 91-83 victory over Saint Joseph's.

"We settled down in the second half, and were able to win, but we need to let go of all distractions and play basketball," said Dugan.

In the second half, Bellarmine scored 52 points on shot 17-for-29 (58.6 percent) shooting from the field, including 15-for-23 (65.2 percent) from inside the arc. The Knights' 52 points is the highest point total BU has put up in the second half of a game this season. Saint Joseph's hit 16 of their 38 attempts (42.1 percent) in the second period.

Bellarmine finished the game shooting 30-for-58 (51.7 percent) from the field, 6-for-17 (35.3 percent) from the three-point line, and 25-for-35 (71.4 percent) from the free throw line. The Knights' 91 points ties their highest total of the season that they had against Kentucky State on Nov. 24, 2013.

The Knights had four players in double-figures and nine players with six or more points. Galvin shot 7-for-8 from the field for her 14 points, and has now had five straight double-figure scoring performances. Hardin knocked down three of her seven three-point attempts, the fifth time this season that the freshman has hit three of more three-point shots. Sophomore guard Mariah Gador knocked down all eight of her free throw attempts and scored 12 in the game to go with a game-high six rebounds and five assists. Martinez scored 10 points for her fourth double-digit scoring game of the season.

Bellarmine finished with under 40 rebounds for the fourth consecutive game, but are still averaging 40.7 rebounds per contest.

"We've got to do a better job on the boards. We're not blocking anybody out. We need to clean that up," said Dugan. "We're not doing what got us to where we are."

Saint Joseph's shot 30-for-64 (46.9 percent) from the field, 4-for-12 (33.3 percent) from three, and 19-for-28 (67.9 percent) from the line. The Pumas were led in scoring by sophomore guard Courtney Kvachkoff who put up 20 points on 8-for-12 shooting. Junior guard Kiki Lyons had 18, and both sophomore guard Laura Furrer and senior guard Jasmyne Reynolds contributed 16 in the Pumas' losing effort. Saint Joseph's has now lost 21 straight Great Lakes Valley Conference road matchups dating back to Jan. 7, 2012.

"We're excited to play in a great rivalry game with Southern Indiana on Monday, and hopefully we'll get this great crowd again and come away with a win," said Dugan.

Next up for the Knights is a date with the University of Southern Indiana on Monday at 5:45 p.m. Bellarmine came away with a 65-62 win over USI in their last meeting.

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