Box Score KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - - Belmont men's basketball stormed out of the gates and didn't turn back in defeating Arkansas State, 93-60, Wednesday evening in the NIT Season Tip-Off South Regional.
The Bruins, which had two chances in the final 35 seconds to tie No. 23 Tennessee a day earlier, took command right from the opening tip against the talented Red Wolves. Two three-pointers from sophomore Brandon Baker (Milford, Ohio) and a three-pointer from sophomore Ian Clark (Memphis, Tenn.) propelled Belmont to a quick 9-0 lead just over two minutes in.
After Martavius Adams got Arkansas State on the board, a straight-on three-pointer from sophomore Trevor Noack (Keller, Texas) and two free throws from junior Scott Saunders (New Orleans, La.) increased the lead to 17-4 seven minutes in.
Belmont used relentless team defense to force turnovers and contested Red Wolves' shot attempts. And that defense clearly fueled a balanced offensive attack.
Six straight points from Clark and a layin from junior Mick Hedgepeth (Crossville, Ala.) pushed the lead to 28-8 with 8:17 left in the half.
Solid interior play from Hedgepeth and Saunders, coupled with aggressive offensive rebounding from senior Jon House (Guelph, Ont., Canada) and freshman Blake Jenkins (Knoxville, Tenn.) led to severe foul trouble for Arkansas State's frontcourt. Adams, Brandon Peterson and Malcolm Kirkland all had three first half personal fouls.
Despite steady scoring from Adams, Belmont continued to attack for scores from all angles. Consecutive three-pointers late in the half from Clark, senior Jordan Campbell (Indianapolis, Ind.) and freshman J.J. Mann (Smyrna, Ga.) increased the lead to 52-23 with 41 seconds left in the half. Hedgepeth appeared to send the Bruins to the locker room up a seemingly inconceivable 31 points, but his left-handed hook was ruled after the first half horn by official video review.
When the dust settled, Belmont shot 53 percent from the field in the opening 20 minutes – including 9-for-15 from three-point distance. Arkansas State shot 34 percent and missed all 10 three-point attempts tried in the first half. Belmont forced 10 first half turnovers.
Clark led the way with 18 first half points.
Belmont kept the pressure on throughout the second half, never allowing the Red Wolves to gain a comfort level on the offensive end. Saunders scored five straight points early in the second half, as the Bruins continued to bring players in off the bench in waves.
The point guard tandem of junior Drew Hanlen (St. Louis, Mo.) and sophomore Kerron Johnson (Huntsville, Ala.) orchestrated the Belmont offense well in the second half, keeping the Bruins focused and efficient.
Solid play from Peterson and Ed Townsel provided a lift for the Red Wolves, but the outcome was never in doubt.
All 12 Bruins who played scored, as Belmont accomplished its mini goal of winning the second half. A Jenkins basket provided the largest margin, 35, with 1:24 left.
Belmont head coach Rick Byrd was impressed with how his team performed, hours after the narrow setback to Tennessee.
"I'd lost a little adrenaline from last night myself. I was concerned. These guys responded great. The last four minutes, the guys played just as hard on defense as they did starting the game. It's a good start. It's a good two days for us. It's a very good opportunity for us to play two good teams. It's going to help our confidence to know we beat a team that was picked No. 2 in the Sun Belt Conference West Division."
All told, Belmont shot 53 percent (30-for-57) from the field – including 12-for-25 from three-point distance. The Bruins outrebounded the Red Wolves, 41-31, and forced 17 turnovers.
Aside from Clark's 18, Hedgepeth added 14 points and six rebounds, and Saunders chipped in 11 points, five rebounds and two blocks.
Jenkins had eight points and seven rebounds, while Hanlen tallied a career-high eight assists.
Adams paced Arkansas State (0-3) with 13 points.
Belmont (1-1) returns to action this coming Monday, Nov. 22 in consolation round play of the NIT Season Tip-Off. Opponents, sites of play and tip times will be determined Thursday, Nov. 18.
Make sure to check belmontbruins.com for updated information.
