LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Interstat) — The Miami (Ohio) Redhawks used a dominant first half and a game-high 26 points from Amber Scalia to cruise past the Bellarmine Knights 77-58 in a non-conference women’s basketball game Sunday at Knights Hall.

Miami (Ohio) improved to 4-1 on the season, while Bellarmine fell to 1-3.

The Redhawks seized control from the opening tip, establishing a double-digit lead in the first quarter and never looking back. They led 18-10 after the first period and extended their advantage to 35-23 by halftime. Bellarmine’s offense found a rhythm in the third quarter, scoring 21 points, but could not significantly cut into the deficit as Miami (Ohio) answered with 22 points of its own.

Scalia, a guard from Stillwater, Minnesota, was the engine for the Redhawks, efficiently scoring her 26 points. She was complemented by a strong all-around performance from forward Ilse de Vries of Groningen, Netherlands, who added 17 points and six assists. Forward Amber Tretter anchored the paint for Miami (Ohio), pulling down a game-high 12 rebounds.

The Redhawks’ offense was efficient, shooting 48 percent from the floor and 38 percent from 3-point range. They also capitalized on Bellarmine’s mistakes, scoring 28 points off 20 Knights turnovers. Defensively, Miami (Ohio) held Bellarmine to just 40 percent shooting.

Bellarmine was led by guard Triniti Ralston, a Louisville native, who scored 21 points and dished out four assists. Guard Ava Smith contributed 11 points for the Knights.

The game was played in front of an announced attendance of 360. Miami (Ohio) next plays at Purdue on Sunday, Nov. 23. Bellarmine travels to face Wright State on Wednesday, Nov. 19.