LOUISVILLE, Ky. — North Alabama shot 50 percent from the floor and had four players reach double figures in scoring during a 72-48 win at Bellarmine Wednesday evening in ASUN Conference women's basketball action. The second straight win gives UNA a 7-8 overall record and a 2-1 mark in league play.
In a game that featured the top two three-point shooting teams in the conference, the two teams combined to go 2-of-23 from long range. UNA was able to answer by driving to the basket, outscoring the home team 52-26 in the paint.
The Lions opened the game on a 6-0 run and never trailed. Bellarmine got within three points with a basket at the 4:08 mark. The Knights, however, would not score for the remainder of the first quarter. A runner by Alexis Callins as time expired gave UNA a 16-6 lead.
UNA outscored Bellarmine in each of the four quarters, including a 15-8 showing in the second. The Knights got within eight points on three different occasions but could get no closer. After a Bellarmine basket made the score 20-12 with 4:55 remaining in the half, Julia Strachan connected in the lane on the ensuing possession and the lead remained double digits the rest of the game.
The Lions led by 14 points late in the half when Hina Suzuki grabbed a defensive rebound with 5.2 seconds remaining. The 5-3 senior raced up the floor and connected from near midcourt to just beat the buzzer and give UNA a 31-14 lead at the break.
In the third quarter, Bellarmine failed to connect from the floor for the first 5:25 of playing time. North Alabama stretched the lead to 20 points after a steal by Jade Moore led to a transition basket by Macey Lee to make the score 41-21. Bellarmine answered with a three-pointer and got within 15 points on a putback.
The Lions were able to push the lead back to 18 points at the end of the period when a driving layup by Suzuki just beat the third-quarter buzzer and gave UNA a 47-29 lead heading into the final period.
The Knights got within 13 points midway through the fourth quarter before North Alabama closed the game on a 20-9 run.
Lee led all scorers with 17 points. Alexis Callins added 13 points while Suzuki had 12 points, six assists, six rebounds and three steals. Skyler Gill also finished with 11 points and five blocked shots.
UNA returns home to host Stetson on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. at Flowers Hall.