DETROIT, Mich. — An improved performance by the Bellarmine University women's basketball team on Saturday didn't quite translate into a victory as the Knights fell 72-61 to No. 11 Wayne State in the Warriors' Holiday Classic.

Bellarmine (5-3) dropped both its games in the tournament, but the Knights pushed Wayne State (7-1) more than they did Northwood in a loss on Friday. It was the last non-league game for BU before the Knights open Great Lakes Valley Conference play.

Sophomore guard Destony Curry led Bellarmine in scoring in both games, posting 15 points against Wayne State behind 6-of-10 shooting. Curry was named to the All-Tournament Team. Freshman forward Beth Bowers added 12 points and sophomore guard Whitney Hartlage chipped in 11, including a trio of 3-pointers.

One of the top players in the Midwest Region, tournament MVP Shareta Brown piled up a season-high 28 points and 18 rebounds for the Warriors. It was the sixth time in eight games in which Brown compiled at least 20 points. She's racked up double-digit rebounding totals in all but one outing.

Brown hit 12 of her 17 shots against Bellarmine. Des Lavita-Stephens contributed 12 and Jackie Jones added 11 for Wayne State, which took a 41-33 lead at halftime.

Bellarmine dug itself in an early hole, falling behind 12-0 before junior guard Mariah Gador got the Knights on the board. BU didn't fold and clawed back to within five with 5:22 left in the half on a jumper by Bowers. Later, a basket by junior center Jennifer Smith cut the deficit to 32-28.

In the second half, Gador and Curry both sank baskets as Bellarmine stormed back to within three with 17:09 left. After Wayne State built its lead back to 10, the Knights responded again, with Curry and Hartlage drilling 3-pointers for a 56-53 deficit with 7:23 remaining.

The Warriors were able to withstand the Knights' charge and pushed to the victory with a 9-0 run.

Bellarmine opens GLVC play by welcoming Rockhurst for a 5:45 p.m. (ET) contest on Jan. 2.

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