LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Northern Michigan women's basketball team fell short of upsetting unbeaten Bellarmine, 63-52, Sunday at the Ballarmine Classic.

Bellarmine jumped out to an early 12-5 lead over the Wildcats after the first quarter of play. The Knights grew their early lead to 12 points, 24-12, at the 4:22 mark of the second quarter.

Northern Michigan was undaunted by the early Bellarmine lead trimming the deficit to nine after a Taylor Hodell layup with 2:50 remaining in the first half. The Wildcats trailed the Knights at the half, 31-21.

Northern Michigan came out of the break firing on all cylinders offensively, outscoring the Knights 18-13 in the quarter. A Bre Gaspervich jumper started the scoring for the Wildcats and a four point run that brought the Wildcats within four, 31-27, at the 8:38 mark.

Northern Michigan continued to battle with Bellarmine going on a five point run capped off by a couple of Hodell free throws to bring the Wildcats within four at the 1:16 mark of the third quarter. Northern Michigan headed into the final quarter trailing, 44-39.

With 5:10 remaining in the game, Chloe Tompkins knocked down a pair of free throws to put the Wildcats within three, 50-47. The Knights responded by building a nine point, 56-47, lead with 2:14 remaining which proved to be the difference in the game.

Hodell and Tompkins each posted a team-high 12 points for the Wildcats. The bench contributed 24 points to the effort.

With the loss, Northern Michigan moves to 2-8 (1-3 GLIAC) on the season. The Wildcats will return to action when they take on Tiffin Jan. 2 at the Berry Events Center with tip off set for 1 p.m.