The Kentucky State University women's basketball team scored 14 of the last 18 points to secure the 56-47 victory over Bellarmine University in non-conference action at the William Exum Center Saturday.
During the game deciding spurt, the Thorobreds held Bellarmine to 1-of-10 shooting with a pair of turnovers. The 56 points were the lowest point total in a victory since a 56-51 win over Central State in 2016.
The run came on the heels of the Knights erasing a 14-point second-half deficit to take a one-point lead. Kentucky State was literally running its visitors out of the Exum Center as 15 of their 19 fast break points came as KSU built the 14-point advantage.
However, following a quick 30-second Bellarmine timeout, the Knights switched to a variety of zones and slowed down the pace. BU went on an 18-3 run to claim its first since leading 14-13 early in the second quarter. But, the aforementioned KSU run sealed the deal.
It was a game of punch and counter-punch for the first 12 minutes, but a quick 8-0 spurt gave the Thorobreds some breathing room. The lead would get as much as eight in the half, but a layup at the buzzer trimmed the lead to four going into the locker rooms.
For the second straight game, Kentucky State's halftime adjustments proved beneficial as KSU tallied the first 10 points of the half to build a game-high 14 point cushion before the Knights stormed back.
Kentucky State did an excellent job of taking advantage of Bellarmine miscues, turning 21 turnovers in 21 points. Despite yielding 20 offensive boards, KSU only surrendered six second-chance points.
Senior
Brooke Wallace (Oberlin, OH) finished with her sixth double-double of the season with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while junior
Amani Williams (Scotch Plains, NJ) added 11 points and a team-high six assists. Junior
Kiante Butts (Memphis, TN) added nine points and nine rebounds with six steals.
Kentucky State (6-5 overall), riding a three-game winning streak, hosts Clark Atlanta 3 p.m. Monday in Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference action.
