By GREG MENGELT

FLORENCE, Ala. — Bellarmine went on a 17-10 run in the first nine minutes of the second half to pull away for a big Atlantic Sun victory, 75-69 at North Alabama on Saturday at Flowers Hall.

The Knights, who improve to 15-11 overall and 9-3 in the A-Sun, are now tied with Jacksonville State atop the West Division. The Gamecocks suffered a 72-62 loss at Central Arkansas on Saturday.

Senior guard CJ Fleming (Cincinnati) led Bellarmine with 24 points in the win. He went 6 for 12 from the field, made three of his seven 3-point attempts and was 9 for 12 from the free throw line. Senior guard Dylan Penn (Evansville/Memorial) contributed 15 points, eight assists, two steals and two assists.

Former Providence star Juston Betz (New Albany) went 2 for 4 from the field — all four attempts from behind the arc — for seven points. The senior also had nine rebounds.

Senior guard C.J. Brim scored 18 points to pace the Lions, who fall to 9-16 overall and 2-10 in the league play with their fourth straight defeat.

Bellarmine will stay on the road Wednesday when it travels to Central Arkansas (8-16, 5-6). Tip is schedule for 8 p.m. and the game will air on ESPN Plus.