Box Score NASHVILLE, Tenn. - - Belmont men's basketball once again put a major scare into a major conference opponent, but the Bruins fell to Nashville neighbor, Vanderbilt, Saturday afternoon, 85-76.
Reminiscent of the Bruins' effort Nov. 16 at then-No. 23 Tennessee, Belmont demonstrated a high level of play and effort for the entire 40 minutes.
After a somewhat sluggish start, characterized by strong Jeffery Taylor drives and hounding Vanderbilt defense, Belmont responded well and worked itself into a rhythm.
A conventional three-point play from sophomore Kerron Johnson (Huntsville, Ala.) and a layin from freshman Blake Jenkins (Knoxville, Tenn.) gave the Bruins their first lead at 10-8 seven minutes in.
Two strong post moves from junior Scott Saunders (New Orleans, La.) and another teardrop from Johnson gave Belmont a 16-15 edge, as the first half seesawed back and forth.
As has been the case throughout the early part of the season, Belmont played strong halfcourt defense. However, at times, overzealousness and physical play led to fouls.
Vanderbilt earned its way into the bonus midway through the first half, and took advantage from the free throw line.
Regardless, the Bruins halfcourt offensive execution rose up. Consecutive layins from senior Jon House (Guelph, Ont., Canada) and junior Mick Hedgepeth (Crossville, Ala.) and a three-pointer from sophomore Ian Clark (Memphis, Tenn.) gave Belmont its largest lead, 26-19, with 6:21 left in the half.
The Bruins would maintain leads of four-to-seven points through the remainder of the half behind solid decision-making and more strong defense. But solid play from Vanderbilt center Festus Ezeli countered the Bruin push.
Free throws from Brad Tinsley and Taylor trimmed the Belmont lead to 35-32 by halftime.
The Bruins shot 45 percent in the first half, while forcing nine Commodore turnovers.
The second half opened inauspiciously for Belmont as an Ezeli bank shot and a three-pointer from Lance Goulbourne gave Vanderbilt a 37-35 lead with 18:51 left.
A Rod Odom three-pointer capped a 15-5 Commodore run to start the second half, giving Vanderbilt a 47-40 lead.
The Commodores were clicking on all cylinders early in the second 20 minutes, with strong defense, perimeter shots and the post play of Ezeli enlivening the home crowd.
Yet the Bruins pressed on. A driving layin and baseline three-pointer from senior Jordan Campbell (Indianapolis, Ind.) inched the Bruins back within 51-47 with 12:41 to go.
But much like the first half, fouls mounted for the Bruins. Severe foul trouble. Poor Bruin gambles and recovery defense pushed Vanderbilt into the double bonus with 13:22 remaining. And the Commodores made Belmont pay from the charity stripe.
Five quick points from Tinsley streched the margin to 56-47, and forced the Bruins to answer in kind. Two Clark free throws and a timely assist from Johnson to House got Belmont back within five, and stabilized the Bruin cause.
Each time Belmont would appear poised to claw closer or reassume a lead, Ezeli would provide resistance - both with scores and his defensive prowess.
After Hedgepeth buried his first three-pointer of the season to get Belmont within 65-60 with 5:01 left, two Taylor free throws and a short Ezeli jumper stretched the margin back to nine.
Taylor sent Commodore fans into a frenzy with a steal and fast break slam to make the score 73-60 with 3:01 left, but he would receive a techincal foul for hanging on the rim.
Two free throws from junior Drew Hanlen (St. Louis, Mo.) breathed new life into Belmont's final run. Another three-pointer from Hedgepeth and a steal and one free throw from Campbell got the Bruins within 77-70 with 1:17 to go.
Bruin full court pressure forced Vanderbilt into some nervy ball handling, and eventually, turnovers. A Johnson driving laying was quickly followed by a Clark steal and score to get the Bruins within 79-74 with 59 seconds left.
But on the subsequent sequence, Vanderbilt broke Bruin pressure and found Goulbourne alone underneath the basket for an easy dunk. Hedgepeth fouled on the play, and the three-point play allowed the Commodores to regain a 81-74 lead with 47 seconds left.
Goulbourne proceeded to make three free throws down the stretch to secure the outcome.
All told, Belmont shot 45 pecent (25-for-56) from the field - including 7-for-23 from three-point distance. The Bruins forced 20 Commodore turnovers.
Vanderbilt held a 39-25 rebounding advantage, and went 35-for-45 from the free throw line, including 25-for-31 in the second half.
Hedgepeth led the Bruins with 16 points. Johnson added a season-high 13 points and Campbell a season-high 12.
Ezeli scored a career-high 24 points and added 10 rebounds for Vanderbilt (7-1).
Belmont (5-2, 1-0 Atlantic Sun) returns to action Tuesday, Dec. 7 at home against Middle Tennessee State. Tip-off is set for approximately 7:15 pm CT from the Curb Event Center.
The live play-by-play from Voice of the Bruins Kevin Ingram can be heard on the Bruin Sports Network and 104.5 The Zone. Live video streaming will be available via ASun.TV.
