FORT MYERS, Fla. — Overcoming a slow start is a manageable task against most teams, but it can be a monumental challenge against a squad such as reigning Atlantic Sun Conference women's basketball champion FGCU.

Bellarmine struggled to find its footing early and couldn't recover, as conference-leading FGCU built a comfortable advantage at the outset in an 80-63 victory over the Knights on Thursday night at Alico Arena.

Senior forward Skylar Treadwell notched a game-high 18 points and barely missed a double-double with nine rebounds for Bellarmine (12-8, 3-4 ASUN). Junior guard Miyah Brown collected 14 points against the Eagles (16-3, 7-0), who remained undefeated in conference action.

Lauryn Taylor led four FGCU players in double figures with 15 points. The Eagles knocked down 12 3-pointers compared to four for Bellarmine. That was perhaps the key component as the total field goals made and free throws made between the two teams weren't separated by much.

Bellarmine couldn't find its shooting touch in the opening quarter and had only two points after six-and-a-half minutes. That early drought enabled FGCU to build a 14-point lead, and the Eagles sustained a double-digit advantage the rest of the way.

Bellarmine will play at 2 p.m. (ET) Saturday in an ASUN contest at Stetson.

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