Bellarmine withstood a second-half charge from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville en route to a 75-67 victory in women's basketball action Saturday at the Vadalabene Center.
         At one point in the first half, Bellarmine led by as much as 25 points. It took a 50-27 advantage into halftime.
         But SIUE came out strong in the second half and cut Bellarmine's lead to 68-64 with 3:20 remaining.
         Bellarmine outlasted the Cougars down the stretch to claim the eight-point victory.
         Nicki Randall led the way for Bellarmine with 19 points.
         SIUE's Ruth Kipping (Quincy) recorded a double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds.
         The two teams will meet again Wednesday in the quarterfinals of the Great Lakes Valley Tournament. Tip off is slated for noon at Roberts Stadium in Evansville, Ind.
                  -siue cougars-