LA CROSSE, Wis. -- The Bellevue University women's basketball team hit 12 of 15 free throws down the stretch as they out-scored their hosts 17-2 in the final five minutes to secure a 63-47 victory over host Viterbo University on Friday evening in North Star Athletic Association play at the R.W. Beggs Senior Gymnasium.
Bellevue has now won a season-best four-straight games to improve to 13-10 overall and 6-3 in North Star play. Viterbo, with their ninth consecutive loss, falls to 4-17 on the year and 1-8 in league action.
After spotting Viterbo and early 4-2 lead, Bellevue used a 9-2 run spanning just 2:41 to grab a five-point advantage. Despite the run it would be the V-Hawks taking a one-point, 18-17, lead after the first quarter of play.
Bellevue started the second quarter strong with consecutive three-pointers as part of a 16-2 run that saw them take a 31-20 lead over the home side. Viterbo chipped away and pulled within eight points, 35-27, at halftime.
A slow third quarter, which saw just four made field goals, ended with Bellevue maintaining their lead as they went into the final period up 44-36.
A pair of free throws to start the fourth quarter pushed the Bruin lead to 10 points but a 9-0 Viterbo run brought them within a point at 46-45 with 5:54 to play. That was as close as the V-Hawks would get as Bellevue sank 12 of 15 free throws over the rest of the game to preserve the win.
Ryleigh McCartney led all players with 20 points on 4-of-6 shooting from three and an 8-of-11 effort from the charity stripe. Her points total makes McCartney the first Bruin to post consecutive 20-point games. She added a team-high six rebounds in the victory.
Shayla Dean joined McCartney in doubles figures with 12 points, including a perfect 6-of-6 effort from the free throw line, while dishing out four assists and pulling down four boards. Elexis Martinez and Morgan Cuffe added eight points apiece in the win.
Alyssa Nilssen paced the V-Hawks with 11 points while Kassi Hofschild and Brynn Bozich each contributed 10 points to the Viterbo offensive effort. Hannah Anderson hauled in a game-best 11 rebounds for Viterbo.
The Bruins have a week off before returning to play on Friday, Jan. 26 at Dickinson State University. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. Central Time (5:30 p.m. Mountain Time).
