LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A valiant comeback attempt by the Bellarmine University women's basketball team came up just short as the Knights were edged 68-63 by Eastern Illinois on Saturday afternoon in the Louisville MTE in Knights Hall.

Triniti Ralston willfully kept Bellarmine (2-6) within striking distance of Eastern Illinois (1-6) in the second half, when she poured in 18 of her game-high 25 points. That mark tied a career high for the junior guard, who finished 8-for-16 from the floor and 9-for-9 from the free-throw line while adding seven rebounds and a game-high four assists.

Bellarmine has been severely shorthanded this season due to injuries, and the Knights ended the contest with seven players after starting it with eight. BU trailed 34-33 at halftime and, despite the lack of resources, didn't wilt after Eastern Illinois extended the lead to 55-44 after three quarters and to 14 points with 6:26 left.

Bellarmine roared back with an 11-0 run to make it a one-possession game at 60-57 with 1:06 remaining. Redshirt junior forward Andrea Chiquemba triggered the run with a basket and added a 3-pointer during the surge, while Ralston delivered a pair of old-fashioned three-point plays, the latter bringing the Knights to within three.

A debatable foul call against Bellarmine ensued, and EIU's Ava Stoller capitalized by hitting both free throws. Stoller, who notched a team-high 21 points, and the Panthers held off the Knights from there from the charity stripe.

Chiquemba scored in double figures for the second straight contest, posting 12 points. The Knights went 16-for-19 from the FT line.

Bellarmine will wrap up the MTE by facing No. 23 Louisville at 2 p.m. (ET) Sunday at the KFC Yum! Center.

For more coverage of Bellarmine athletics, follow us on Twitter (@BUKnights), Instagram (BUKnights) and Facebook (BUKnights).