By GREG MENGELT

LAS VEGAS — Bellarmine won its first game of the season, 76-69 over Central Michigan on Tuesday in the Knights’ final game in Las Vegas.

The Knights jumped out to an 8-0 lead, then fell behind 19-13, then went on a 22-7 run and led 39-32 at the break. The Chippewas got within 3 points three times — the last coming when Central Michigan senior forward Harrison Henderson made a pair of free throws with 1:01 left.

Senior guards Dylan Penn and CJ Fleming, who combined for 43 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists in the win, hit free throws to help Bellarmine hold on. Penn went 11 for 18 from the floor and scored 27, while Fleming knocked down 3 of 6 of his 3-point attempts for the Knights, who shot 50.9 percent from the floor.

Former Providence Pioneer Juston Betz went scoreless in the win, but he contributed 6 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal to the victory.

Betz and the Knights hosts Franklin on Sunday at 3 p.m. at Freedom Hall. It’s Veteran and Military Appreciation Night. The game can be seen on ESPN Plus.

Henderson led The Chippewas with 21 points, 3 rebounds and 3 steals.