EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Three Grenadiers scored in double figures but IU Southeast could not overcome a sluggish first half as NCAA Div. II No.3-ranked Bellarmine defeated the Grenadiers 88-75 in the Bill Joergans Memorial Classic At the University of Southern Indiana.

Kevin Mitchell had a game-high 23 points, Jake Simpson had 17 and Vernon Payne added 15 off the bench for IU Southeast.

The Grenadiers (5-2) fell behind early as the offense struggled to gain traction against the Knights' size in the post.

IU Southeast shot just 30 percent (9-30) from the field in the first half.

The Grenadiers were dominated on the glass which led to high-percentage shots for the Knights. Bellarmine outrebounded the Grenadiers 27-10 in the first half and 46-23 for the game.

Bellarmine shot 59 percent (33-56) for the game.

IU Southeast had opportunities at the free throw to cut into the lead but shot just 17 for 28 (61 percent) at the line.

IU Southeast trailed by 27 with eight minutes to play in the game but the Grenadiers went on a 27-10 run to cut the lead to 81-71 with 2:40 to play.

IU Southeast was able to back into the game by forcing turnovers. The Grenadiers outscored the Knights 21-2 in points off turnovers in the second half. The Knights had 24 turnovers to the Grenadiers 10 for the game.

IU Southeast would not get closer and fall by 13-point margin.

The Knights (3-0) Jake Thelen and Keisten Jones each had 22 points in the win.

IU Southeast will take on host No. 13 University of Southern Indiana in the final game of the Classic Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET.