LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Senior forward Mallory Schwartz posted a double-double as the Bellarmine University women's basketball team opened the 2020 portion of its schedule with a 58-42 victory over Illinois Springfield on Thursday in Knights Hall in Great Lakes Valley Conference play.

Schwartz was the lone player in the contest to score in double figures, amassing a game-high 12 points along with game bests of 11 rebounds and four steals for Bellarmine (6-3, 1-1 GLVC), which has won three in a row. Junior guard Breia Torrens collected four assists against Illinois Springfield (5-5, 0-2).

Both teams shot below 30 percent, but Bellarmine nailed eight 3-pointers compared to just one for Illinois Springfield. In addition, the Knights forced 24 turnovers and committed only nine, leading to a 20-3 advantage in points off turnovers. Bellarmine also had 18 assists on 24 baskets, pulled down 22 offensive rebounds and blocked nine shots.

"I thought we played really good defense," Knights Coach Chancellor Dugan said. "It was a physical game and I thought we took advantage of what they gave us offensively in the second half, but I thought we were stagnant in the first half."

After leading 28-24 at halftime, Bellarmine pulled away in the third quarter behind a 14-1 run that began with a 3-pointer by Torrens. Senior guard Mikayla Berry stroked a 3-pointer and had three assists during the surge, including a spectacular no-look, over-the-head pass to cutting junior forward Lauren Deel for a layup.

Bellarmine's lead never dipped below 13 in the fourth quarter and rose to 19.

Bellarmine hosts Lewis at 1 p.m. (ET) Saturday.

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