LOUISVILLE, Ky. — No. 23 Southern Indiana overcame the No. 20 Bellarmine University women's basketball team's hot start and thwarted the Knights' strong final push to capture an 88-81 victory Thursday at Knights Hall in Great Lakes Valley Conference play.

Senior forward Sarah Galvin posted 23 points and seven rebounds for Bellarmine (21-6, 13-5 GLVC). Tanner Marcum scored a game-high 27 for Southern Indiana (24-4, 16-2), the GLVC East champion. Both teams had already sealed first-round byes in the conference tournament heading into the regular-season finale.

While Bellarmine burst out to a 10-0 advantage and led by as many as 13 early in the second quarter, Southern Indiana's steady shooting from the floor and free-throw line allowed the Screaming Eagles to charge ahead in the second half as they led 75-66 with 4:18 left.

Bellarmine, which went ice cold in the third quarter, surged back to within three with 1:54 left after 3-pointers from freshman guard Mikayla Berry and Merriweather. The Knights' press then generated two turnovers, but Bellarmine missed a layup after the first one and threw the ball away after the second one.

Those missed opportunities undermined Bellarmine's comeback. Thereafter, Southern Indiana was able to clinch the win at the free-throw line.

The charity stripe played a key role in the victory. USI knocked down 25-of-27 attempts (92.6 percent), while Bellarmine was 19 for 23 (82.6 percent). The Screaming Eagles also delivered a better shooting percentage — 47.5 percent to 40.3 percent — and outrebounded the Knights 43-32.

Bellarmine couldn't have gotten off to a better start. Senior guard Whitney Hartlage drained a pair of 3-pointers and Galvin and Merriweather both added baskets as the Knights stormed out to a 10-0 lead. They led 24-15 after the first quarter and 28-15 in the second after a putback by senior guard Destony Curry.

At that point, Southern Indiana responded with a 9-0 run and the Screaming Eagles seemed to settle into the game. USI took control in the third by outscoring Bellarmine 23-15 en route to a 63-56 advantage leading into the fourth.

Kaydie Grooms chipped in 21 points for Southern Indiana, Hannah Wascher had 17 and 14 rebounds, and Morgan Dahlstrom contributed 16.

Bellarmine honored seniors Curry, Galvin, Hartlage, Serena Sandusky and Kelsey Adwell prior to the game.

Bellarmine will await its opponent in the GLVC Tournament quarterfinals.

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