The University of Illinois Springfield men's basketball team used a big second-half run to close the gap against No. 9 Bellarmine, but the Knights were able to hang on for a 73-65 win over the Prairie Stars on Thursday night in Louisville, Ky.
 
Bellarmine never trailed in the game, and a 12-3 run late in the period helped the Knights lead by a 37-24 score at halftime. Bellarmine kept a comfortable lead for the early part of the second half, having a 17-point advantage at 52-35 with 13:55 remaining.
 
UIS would not go down easy though. The Prairie Stars went on a 15-2 run to get back into the contest. The defense did not allow a field goal for nearly four minutes, as it forced three turnovers and three missed shots in that span.
 
The Prairie Stars remained close, trailing by six at 62-56 with six minutes left in the game. Bellarmine had two straight turnovers, but UIS couldn't take advantage as it also failed to score on its next time with the ball. Bellarmine was finally able to put the contest away with a 9-3 run, and UIS couldn't get closer than eight the rest of the way.
 
Bellarmine finished the game shooting 50 percent from the field, and it made 28-of-32 from the free-throw line. UIS shot just 36 percent from the field, but it made four more three-pointers in the game.
 
UIS was led by Vince Walker with 16 points, including making three three-pointers and seven-of-eight from the free-throw line. Peyton Allen added 12 points and Daniel Soetan had 10. Cole Harper and Walker each had six rebounds. Soetan had a team-high five steals in the game.
 
UIS falls to 13-11 on the year and 6-8 in GLVC play. The Prairie Stars will be in action again on Saturday at Southern Indiana.