EVANSVILLE, Ind.—Rockhurst University used an 8-0 run to open the game and never looked back as it defeated the University of Southern Indiana women's basketball team, 77-67, Saturday afternoon at the Physical Activities Center.

USI (10-8, 3-6 GLVC) struggled to get anything going offensively early in the contest, especially from the perimeter where it was just 1-of-14 from three-point range in the opening period.

The Hawks (9-11, 3-7 GLVC) capitalized on USI's struggles as they extended their lead to as many as 18 points before settling on a 41-28 halftime advantage.

Rockhurst pushed its lead to 22 points midway through the final stanza before the Screaming Eagles could mount a comeback attempt.

USI, which benefitted from a superb effort by senior forward/center Brittany Neuman (Huntingburg, Indiana), used a 12-2 run to chisel the Hawks' advantage to 12 point with 6:34 to play in the contest. The Eagles used a 14-4 run later in the period to carve Rockhurst's lead to single digits (71-64) with 1:30 to play in the game.

That was as close as the Eagles could get, though, as the Hawks connected on six free throws in the final 90 seconds to hold USI at bay.

Neuman finished the contest with a career-high 27 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Eagles. Freshman guard Rinesha Soaper (Henderson, Kentucky) added 10 points, while sophomore guard Amie Newhart (Mulberry, Indiana) chipped in 10 points and four assists.

Senior forward Julie Cook led the Hawks with 23 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, while fellow classmate Amy Hake contributed 17 points in the win.

USI, which visits Rockhurst February 28 to close out the regular season, returns to action Thursday when it travels to Springfield, Illinois, to take on defending GLVC champion Drury University. Tip-off is slated for 5:45 p.m.