ST. LOUIS — Maryville built a sizable lead in the first quarter and used a critical run in the fourth period to turn back the comeback attempt of the visiting Bellarmine University women's basketball team as the Saints defeated the Knights 92-81 Saturday in Great Lakes Valley Conference play.

Sophomore forward Lauren Deel poured in a career-high 22 points behind 7-of-9 shooting from the floor and 8 of 9 from the free-throw line for Bellarmine (7-4, 1-2 GLVC). Sophomore guard Breia Torrens was one off her career high after registering 15 points. Junior guard Mikayla Berry matched Torrens with 15 points against the Saints (8-5, 2-2).

Bellarmine could never overcome a first quarter in which the Knights trailed 28-11. Maryville shot 52.9 percent in the first half in leading 47-30 at the intermission. Perhaps most impressive is that the Saints committed only two turnovers over the first two quarters — Bellarmine's opponents entering the game averaged 24 per contest.

"We dug ourselves too big of a hole in the first half," Coach Chancellor Dugan said.

Bellarmine would chip away in the second half. Less than one minute into the fourth quarter, the Knights got within 10 on a jumper by Deel. However, a rejuvenated Maryville responded with a 13-3 run to boost its advantage to 20 with 6:32 left. Torrens converted a drive to cut the deficit to 74-64 with 3:43 left, but again the Saints regrouped, scoring the next six points to effectively seal the win.

"The effort was there in the second half, but we didn't execute our game plan," Dugan said. "We let players drive to the basket without helping. We didn't defend. That was really disappointing."

Kayla Steward scored a career-high 30 points for Maryville, and Mary Barton added 21 points.

Bellarmine hosts Quincy on Thursday and Truman State on Saturday in Knights Hall.

"I expect a lot better effort than we had in the first half," Dugan said. "We have prideful players. I know I'll get what I'm asking for."

For more coverage of Bellarmine athletics, follow us on Twitter (@BUKnights), Instagram (BUKnights), Facebook (BUKnights) and the BUKnights mobile app available for iPhone and Android.

BOX SCORE (HTM)