KIRKSVILLE, Mo. - A valiant effort came up just short as the Lewis Flyers held off the Truman State women's basketball team 72-68 on Monday evening in Pershing Arena. Ellie Weltha led the way with a double-double of 25 points and 15 rebounds.

Through three quarters, the Bulldogs trailed by 11 points and had 18 turnovers. The lead grew to 14 points with 8:18 left to play at 60-46 before the Bulldogs started making their charge.

They sliced the lead to seven during the next two minutes and after a 5-0 spurt by the Flyers to bring the lead back to 11 it forced a Truman State timeout.

Following the break, the Bulldogs went on an 8-2 run and trailed by five with 2:50 left to play.

Emma Bulman got a steal and raced down the floor to cut the lead to two at 70-68 with 42 seconds left showing.

As the Flyers worked the clock down, a missed jump shot was then tied up by Weltha going for the rebound and the possession arrow favored the Bulldogs giving them a crack at the last shot.

After the advancement timeout, the only turnover of the fourth quarter came as a Bulldog toe touched the end line looking to make a play. Lewis would make both free throws at the other end following a foul and would hold on for the victory.

Grace Hilber led all scorers with 26 points on 12-of-21 shooting for the Flyers.

The Bulldogs will host Upper Iowa on Saturday in the Peacocks first visit to Pershing Arena as a member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Tip time is slated for 1 p.m.