By Spencer Brown, Staff Writer
The Bellarmine women’s basketball team has found its rhythm at the right time. Bellarmine (14-9, 8-7 Great Lakes Valley Conference) defeated Indianapolis (9-16, 3-12 GLVC) 82-60 Thursday to win its fourth straight game. The Knights have won six of their last seven games.
Junior forward Emma Benoit led the Greyhounds with 15 points, but her efforts weren’t enough against Bellarmine’s explosive offense. Center Ally Mayhaus was a menace inside and scored 16 of her 18 points in the paint.
“I kept making the same moves and they couldn’t stop me,” Mayhaus said.
After a back-and-forth first quarter, Bellarmine pulled away in the second. Mayhaus and Forward Lauren Deel and Mayhaus traded layups and Mikayla Berry followed with a jumper to cap a 9-0 run. The Knights dominated on defense, recording 10 steals and four blocks in the first half. They extended their lead to 17 by halftime.
“I was really pleased with how we played defense in the first half,” Bellarmine head coach Chancellor Dugan said.
Mayhaus attacked the paint early and scored six straight points to start the second half. Junior Mallory Schwartz hit a 3-pointer as time expired in the third quarter to give the Knights a 68-43 lead.
“We came out focused… I was so pleased with the first five (minutes of the quarter),” Dugan said.
UIndy tried to mount a comeback, but it was too little, too late as Bellarmine kept its foot on the gas.
The Knights play their final home game of the season against No. 15 Lewis (23-2, 14-1 GLVC) Friday at 1 p.m.