LA CROSSE, Wis. -- Three Bruins scored in double figures as the Bellevue University women's basketball team defeated Viterbo University, 62-57, Friday night at Beggs Gymnasium to open North Star Athletic Association play.
The Bruins, who have won three-straight games, improved to 7-4 on the season and 1-0 in the NSAA. Viterbo fell to 1-9 overall and 0-1 in league play. The game marked Bellevue's first-ever NSAA contest in women's basketball.
Caletria Curtis led BU with her team-leading third double-double of the season, finishing with 17 points and 11 rebounds, to go along with four assists and two steals. Beth Walker added 14 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Ryleigh McCartney registered 13 points and four rebounds in the win.
Viterbo was led by Alyssa Nilssen's 14 points and eight boards.
The game was close throughout with neither team gaining a double-digit advantage. Six-straight points by Walker gave BU its largest lead of the game at seven points (31-24) with 7:42 left in the third quarter. The V-Hawks battled back to tie the contest at 42-42 at the end of the third period.
The Bruins hit three 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and pulled away late, using a 5-1 run in the final minute before securing the 62-57 victory.
Bellevue will travel to Dickinson, N.D. next Friday, Dec. 9 for a 5:30 p.m. NSAA contest at Dickinson State University.
