MIDLAND, Mich. — Sophomore forward
Lauren Deel poured in a career-high 18 points, and the Bellarmine University women's basketball team delivered a strong second half in defeating Northwood 74-65 Sunday at Riepma Arena.
Bellarmine (2-0) was victorious in both its games in the GLVC/GLIAC Challenge after triumphing at Saginaw Valley State on Friday. Against Northwood (1-1), junior guard
Mikayla Berry added 16 points and junior center
Ally Mayhaus chipped in 10. Freshman guard
Presley Brown racked up five steals to go along with seven points and four rebounds.
"I was really pleased with how we played, the calm we played with in this environment," Bellarmine Coach
Chancellor Dugan said. "It was a physical game, but we adjusted. It was a great team win."
As it did against Saginaw Valley State, Bellarmine owned the paint against Northwood, outscoring the Timberwolves 48-22 in the area. The Knights had a 29-13 superiority in points off turnovers after forcing Northwood into 26 giveaways. Led by Brown, Bellarmine registered 14 steals.
"Huge," Dugan said of the importance of the Knights' output with their pressure defense. "When the press is working, it's not as much about steals but (disrupting the opponent's backcourt)."
Bellarmine trailed 46-39 midway through the third quarter but swung the game in its favor with a 16-3 run near the close of the period. Brown triggered it with a steal and layup before an and-1 by Mayhaus and successful drive by Berry catapulted Bellarmine to a six-point lead.
Junior forward
Mallory Schwartz followed a Berry 3-pointer with a free throw as the Knights built a 10-point advantage at 65-55 with 3:44 left in the fourth quarter. Northwood cut its deficit to four with 2:17 remaining, but Berry sandwiched a jumper and 3-pointer around a Schwartz steal and basket for the final blow needed to sew up the win.
Kenzie Seeley had 17 points to pace Northwood, which led 22-14 after the first quarter and 37-34 at halftime. Bellarmine had a 35-11 advantage in bench points.
"We knew we were going to be a deep team," Dugan said. "We have kids that can play multiple positions, a lot of whom come off the bench. (That rotational versatility) is what I want."
Bellarmine will make its home debut at 1 p.m. (ET) Saturday as the Knights host Central State.
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