NASHVILLE, TENN. - - Behind stingy halfcourt defense and a career-high 17 points from senior Keaton Belcher (Butler, Ky.), Belmont Basketball defeated Alabama State Saturday night, 78-42.
The Bruins, facing their fourth straight opponent of 20-plus wins from a year ago, came out of the gates quickly against the defending SWAC Champions.
Following a slam dunk from Belcher off a feed from junior Jordan Campbell (Indianapolis, Ind.), sophomore Scott Saunders (New Orleans, La.) made two free throws to give the Bruins a 10-0 lead more than five minutes into the half.
A three-pointer from Tremaine Butler ended the Hornets' 5:41 scoring drought to open the game.
But a baseline three-pointer from Belcher and a left-handed layin from sophomore Drew Hanlen (St. Louis, Mo.) extended the Bruin lead to 15, 19-4, midway through the first half.
Belmont showcased sound halfcourt team defense and forced Alabama State into contested shots or turnovers much of the first half.
Two quick treys from Belcher and freshman Ian Clark (Memphis, Tenn.) and a layup from junior Jon House (Guelph, Ont., Canada) highlighted another 10-0 Belmont run as the lead grew to 35-14 with 3:26 left in the half.
But poor Bruin passing and strong play from Butler and Tramayne Moorer late in the half allowed the Hornets to inch within 37-23 at halftime.
Belmont shot 50 percent (13-for-26) in the opening 20 minutes, but committed 10 first half turnovers.
Much like the start, Belmont opened the second half with purpose. Once again treys from Belcher and Clark got the Bruins off and running. Then after a short Moorer jumper, sophomore Mick Hedgepeth imposed his will down low.
Forcing Hornet big man Byron Walker to foul out after just 10 minutes of action, Hedgepeth's free throws gave the Bruins a 57-30 edge with 10:45 to go.
Head coach Rick Byrd substituted early and often, with players rotating in and out much like the NHL Nashville Predators would make line changes.
Steady play from freshman Kerron Johnson (Huntsville, Ala.) and more praiseworthy defense proved to be a winning formula in the final 10 minutes.
All told, the Bruins shot 51 percent (27-for-53) from the floor - including 9-for-23 from three-point territory. Belmont outrebounded Alabama State by 14, 47-33.
Aside from Belcher's career night, Saunders added 13 points and four rebounds. Hedgepeth recorded his second career double-double, with 11 points and 10 rebounds. He added four blocked shots.
Johnson had nine points and six rebounds. Clark had eight points. 10 Bruins scored in all.
Moorer led Alabama State (0-2) with 12 points. The Hornets shot 23 percent (13-for-56) from the floor.
Belmont (2-2) returns to action Saturday, Nov. 28 at Eastern Illinois. Tip-off is set for 6 pm CT.
The live play-by-play from Voice of the Bruins Kevin Ingram can be heard on the Bruin Sports Network.
