CINCINNATI, Ohio — A big third quarter by Cincinnati was the difference Friday night as the Bearcats defeated the Bellarmine University women's basketball 72-59 in Fifth Third Arena in the Knights' season opener.

Sophomore guard Claire Knies poured in a career- and game-high 21 points for Bellarmine (0-1). Knies canned eight of her 14 shots, including 5-of-7 from downtown, in registering career bests in field goals and 3-pointers made.

Bellarmine held an 18-14 lead over Cincinnati (2-0) after the first quarter and trailed only 32-31 at halftime, but the Bearcats were able to turn the tide in the third period. Cincinnati outscored the Knights 24-9 in the frame to take control.

"They came out in the second half really aggressive, and I think their length started to bother us more than it did in the first half," Knights Coach Chancellor Dugan said.

Indeed, Bellarmine settled in quickly despite it being its season debut. Junior guard Jaela Johnson, a transfer playing her first game for the Knights, buried a 3-pointer just seven seconds into the contest.

Knies actually exceeded her previous career high in points — nine last season against Liberty — in the first quarter alone after racking up 10. Behind Knies, the Knights drilled four of their five 3-point attempts in the opening period in bolting out to an 18-9 lead before the Bearcats scored the last five points of the quarter.

"That's the Claire we've seen every day in practice," Dugan said.

After its assertive third quarter, Cincinnati led 56-40. However, Bellarmine never went away, as Knies and senior guard Bailee Harney drained consecutive 3s to cut the deficit to nine with less than a minute left.

Senior forward Lauren Deel flirted with a double-double after posting 10 points and eight rebounds. Cincinnati's Akira Levy did as well after tallying a team-high 18 points and game-high nine assists.

"I'm pleased with the fight we showed," Dugan said. "It's early and we're going to learn a lot from this."

Bellarmine will play at 7 p.m. (ET) Tuesday at Louisville.

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