CARBONDALE, Ill. (Interstat) — Belmont used a dominant third quarter to secure a 68-56 women’s basketball victory over Southern Illinois on Monday night at SIU Arena.

The Bruins, who led 25-20 at halftime, outscored the Salukis 25-13 in the third period to build an insurmountable lead. Avery Strickland led Belmont with 22 points, while Hilary Fuller added 17. Alayna Kraus scored a game-high 20 points for Southern Illinois.

Belmont forced 20 turnovers, converting them into 21 points, and out-assisted the Salukis 12-3. The Bruins improved to 6-7, while Southern Illinois fell to 3-8.