Turnovers too much for Bruins in road loss at CSM

OMAHA, Neb. -- Beth Walker scored 16 points and pulled down eight rebounds but the Bellevue University women's basketball couldn't overcome 30 turnovers in a 77-47 loss to College on Saint Mary on Wednesday evening in a non-conference game at the Lied Fitness Center.

CSM improves to 2-0 with the victory while the Bruins drop to 4-2 on the season.

The Flames jumped out to a 16-5 lead after the first quarter on the strength of a 12-2 run over a span of 5:58 and never trailed in the game.

As a team, Bellevue shot just 20 percent (5-of-25) in the first half but found themselves still in contention, trailing 31-17, at the intermission.

BU got as close as seven with 3:16 to play in the second quarter following a basket by Caletria Curtis but nine-straight CSM points pushed the Flames' lead to 16 before Walker scored a put back basket to close out the half.

Walker's 16 points, on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting effort, were a game-high while Caletria Curtis joined her in double figures with 10 points off the bench. Curtis added six rebounds and had two of BU's seven assists in the game.

Sierra Roberts provided the Bruins eight points and Angeliece Tucker contributed six off the bench as BU reserves accounted for 29 of the Bruins points.

Pilar Aldrich led a balanced CSM scoring attack with 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting, including a 3-of-7 effort from beyond the arc. Peyton Hagen scored 11 points and dished out a game-high seven assists while Shelby Allberry poured in 10 points.

The Flames received eight points off the bench from both Ashley Nelson and Payton Everett. Justice Ross scored six points and hauled in a game-best 10 rebounds for CSM who won the battle of the boards 39-36.

Bellevue returns to the hardwood this weekend with a pair of games at the Doane Classic. The Bruins do battle with Hastings on Friday at 3 p.m. and square off with host Doane on Saturday at 4 p.m. as they complete a three-game stretch against GPAC teams.