Box Score NASHVILLE, Tenn. - - Behind strong defense and balanced scoring, Belmont University women's basketball defeated SIU Edwardsville, 62-45, Thursday afternoon in the OVC Quarterfinal round.
The Bruins, who defeated the Cougars Dec. 29 in the OVC opener, showcased inspired team play from the opening tip.
After sophomore Katie Carroll (Lilburn Ga.) tallied Belmont's first field goal 2:21 in, the Bruins proceeded to hold SIUE scoreless for 8:23.
Junior Molly Ernst (Louisville, Ky.) capped a 12-0 Belmont run, making the score 14-4 eight and a half minutes in.
Though redshirt sophomore Jordyn Luffman (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) would be limited due to foul trouble, the Bruins remained poised.
Another Ernst three-pointer and a driving layin from sophomore Adrienne Tarrence (Bowling Green, Ky.) stretched the margin to 19-6 with 7:35 left in the first half.
The Cougars closed to within nine before sophomore Torie Vaught (Maryville, Tenn.) and Ernst again ripped the nets from behind the arc to push the lead back to 15, 25-10.
Senior Katie Brooks (Maryville, Tenn.) closed the half with four consecutive free throws to give the Bruins a 29-12 advantage at halftime.
Belmont went 7-for-16 from three-point distance in the opening 20 minutes, while holding SIUE to 6-for-33 shooting.
Baskets from Brooks and senior Alyssa Visbeen (Franklin Tenn.) increased the lead to 21 early in the second half.
Behind the play of Raven Berry and Jazmin Hill, the Cougars closed to within 35-22, before the Bruins once again tightened up their defense. Holding SIUE without a field goal for a nearly six-minute stretch midway through the second half, Belmont maintained a comfortable 14-18 point lead.
From there, Brooks and Tarrence stole the show down the stretch; as each exhibited strong care of the basketball, free throw shooting, and clutch baskets late in the shot clock.
In fact, Brooks, Tarrence, and Luffman combined to score Belmont's final 24 points of the game.
All told, Belmont shot 41 percent (18-for-44) from the field – including 7-for-19 from three-point distance. The Bruins held SIUE to 22 percent shooting, while forcing 14 turnovers.
Tarrence led the Bruins with 14 points and four rebounds. Brooks added 12 points and seven rebounds.
Hill and Berry each scored 10 points for SIUE (16-14).
Belmont (18-12) returns to action Friday afternoon against No. 2 seed Tennessee Tech in the OVC Semifinal round. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. CT from Nashville Municipal Auditorium.
The game will be broadcast live on ESPN3. The live play-by-play of Voice of the Bruins Rich Tiner can be heard on the Bruin Sports Network.
