NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — Belmont pulled away in the third quarter to defeat Illinois-Chicago 71-56 in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Friday at Curb Events Center.

The Bruins, now 15-9, used an 11-for-20 performance from 3-point range to create separation. Hilary Fuller led Belmont with 19 points, including five 3-pointers. Jailyn Banks added 15 points and Avery Strickland scored 15.

The Flames (11-13) were led by Jessica Carrothers’ game-high 24 points. A strong third quarter from Belmont, outscoring Illinois-Chicago 28-23, turned a narrow 31-24 halftime lead into a decisive advantage. Attendance was 1,231.