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RICHMOND, Ky. – In a battle for first place in the OVC East Division, visiting Belmont pulled out a 72-68 victory over the Eastern Kentucky University women's basketball team Monday night in McBrayer Arena.

With the win, the Bruins (13-15, 10-5 OVC) move a half game in front of the Lady Colonels (15-10, 9-5) in the league standings. The two teams split the season series with each winning on the other team's court.

After shooting just 28.6 percent (6-of-21) from the floor in the first 20 minutes, Belmont shot a blistering 60 percent (15-of-25) in the second half to earn the victory.

Belmont trailed by 10 points at halftime, but quickly rallied to even the score at 40-all thanks to netting seven of its first nine shots. After three more ties at 46, 48 and 51, the Bruins took the lead for good on a Taylor Mills lay-up with 9:18 remaining.

An 11-0 Belmont run, capped by back-to-back threes from Frankie Joubran and Mills, gave the Bruins a 59-51 advantage.

Eastern Kentucky responded late in the contest and twice closed the gap to one point at 65-64 and 67-66. However, the Bruins were able to score on their ensuing possession in each instance to keep the Lady Colonels at bay.

EKU went on a pair of big runs in the first half to take a 34-24 lead into intermission. The Lady Colonels tallied 10 second chance points in the first half on seven offensive rebounds. In the second half, Eastern only managed one offensive rebound.

Mills came off the bench to pace all scorers with a career-high 24 points. Joubran added 11 points and seven rebounds.

For Eastern Kentucky, sophomore Miranda Maples posted team highs in points (16) and rebounds (nine), while sophomore Shelly Harper added 14 points. Senior guard Pilar Walker recorded nine assists, one shy of her personal best.

EKU is right back in action this Thursday night, Feb. 27 with a home game against Tennessee Tech. Tip time is set for 5:30 p.m.