The University of Illinois Springfield men's basketball squad fell at No. 1 Bellarmine on Thursday night by an 81-57 score.
 
Bellarmine won the game in the first 20 minutes, as it never trailed after an early 11-2 run. UIS was behind 43-23 at halftime after it shot just 30.4 percent from the field and turned it over 13 times in the half.
 
In the second half, UIS found its offensive touch and nearly outscored the Knights. The Prairie Stars shot 48.3 percent from the field for the second half, but couldn't slow down Bellarmine's offense.
 
Bellarmine won the battle in the paint, outscoring UIS 52-22, and having a 37-27 advantage in rebounds. UIS shot 40.4 percent from the field for the game, compared to 50.7 percent for the Knights.
 
Matt Wendling led UIS with 16 points and five rebounds. Jesus Castillo also had five rebounds, and Alonso Meana had a team-high four assists. Keymonta Johnson, Daniel Soetan, and Castillo all finished with eight points, and Chase Robinson had seven.
 
UIS falls to 7-3 overall and 0-2 in GLVC play. The Prairie Stars continue their difficult start to the GLVC schedule with a game at No. 11 Indianapolis on Saturday.