Box Score LOUISVILLE, Ky.-The No. 7 Bellarmine University Knights rallied from a seven-point second half deficit to force overtime and outlasted the visiting Lewis Flyers 82-79 in a Great Lakes Valley Conference game Thursday night at Knights Hall.

Josh Sewell gave the Knights their first lead in more than 16 minutes of game time with a pair of free throws with 1:16 remaining in regulation. Lewis's Ryan Jackson answered by canning two free throws on the other end to give the Flyers a 73-72 lead with just over a minute on the clock.

The Knights (15-2, 7-1 GLVC) then worked it to Rusty Troutman for a 3-pointer, but he missed the mark. Sewell again came through for Bellarmine, collecting the offensive rebound and converting the put-back. Jackson again went to the line for Lewis, but the senior guard made just one of two with 24 ticks left on the clock. Bellarmine held for one shot, but failed to get one in the air as a turnover ended regulation in a 74-74 tie.

The overtime session opened with Sewell again coming up big for the Knights, by stealing a pass and making a pair of free throws after getting fouled on his way to the basket.

After a pair of empty possessions for both teams, Jeff Jarosz made two free throws for Lewis to even the score at 76.

The Knights wasted no time regaining the lead as Troutman rolled in a triple from the right wing to give the home squad a 79-76 cushion. Again, the Flyers (12-5, 4-4 GLVC) made up the difference at the free throw line. Julian Lewis made one of two then Jackson hit a pair after a Bellarmine turnover.

Bellarmine worked the shot clock well under 10 seconds on their ensuing possession before Sewell hit a short jumper in the lane to give the Knights the lead once again at the 1:46 mark. The teams then combined for five missed field goals and two turnovers over the next 1:45. The final miss was a Lewis three-pointer that would have been a potential game-winner, but Max Strus's attempt barely grazed the rim and Sewell came up the rebound.

Sewell was fouled and injured on the play, and Chris Whitehead was selected by the Lewis coaching staff to shoot Sewell's free throws. The senior Fordham transfer made one of two to ice it with one second on the clock.

"We played with tremendous courage tonight," said Bellarmine Coach Scott Davenport. "Both teams did. This was one unbelievable college basketball game. What you have to understand about a team like Lewis is that seven of the top nine guys in their rotation are juniors and senior, and Strus is a dead lock to be freshman of the year in the conference. This is a great win for our basketball team."

The Knights were led by Sewell and Jake Thelen with 19 points apiece. That point total sets a new Bellarmine career high for Sewell, who also had a Bellarmine career high in rebounds with seven.  Thelen added a whopping 18 rebounds for his eighth double-double of the year.

Troutman and Whitehead also posted solid numbers. Whitehead totaled 12 points and eight assists while Troutman added 14 points and eight boards.

Lewis, which erased an early first half 8-point deficit by making seven of 14 first half threes, was led by Jackson's 19 points.

The Knights ruled the backboards, owning a 42-22 rebounding advantage. Shooting percentages were comparable, however, with both teams shooting in the mid-40s from the field. Bellarmine made 18 of 21 free throws, and Lewis was good on 20 of their 24 attempts.

Bellarmine returns to action on Saturday when another formidable opponent visits Knights Hall. The 18^th ranked Wisconsin Parkside Rangers improved to 16-1 and 8-0 in league play after turning back Southern Indiana 73-50 on Thursday. TheRangers, who now own a 12-game win streak, and the Knights are scheduled to tip at 3:15 p.m.

BOX SCORE (HTM)