Box Score KENNESAW, Ga. - - Behind strong team defense and balanced scoring, Belmont men's basketball defeated Kennesaw State, 88-41, Saturday night.
A baseline jumpshot from sophomore Trevor Noack (Keller, Texas), a three-pointer from sophomore Ian Clark (Memphis, Tenn.) and an offensive rebound basket from freshman J.J. Mann (Smyrna, Ga.) gave the Bruins an 8-2 lead 3:48 into the game.
But despite solid and active defense, Belmont endured a near five minute scoring drought that enabled the Owls to get back into the game.
A wing three-pointer from Spencer Dixon gave Kennesaw State a 9-8 lead with 12:47 left in the half before the Bruins orchestrated another trademark scoring run.
Junior Drew Hanlen (St. Louis, Mo.) started the spurt with a three-pointer to put Belmont up 11-9. Four points each from Clark and junior Mick Hedgepeth (Crossville, Ala.) stretched the lead to 19-11 with 9:20 left in the half.
All the while, sophomore Kerron Johnson (Huntsville, Ala.) served as the defensive leader for the Bruins, hounding Kennesaw State ball handlers, creating turnovers and fast break opportunities.
Consecutive Johnson steals led to breakaway slam dunks for freshman Blake Jenkins (Knoxville, Tenn.), increasing the lead to 28-11 with 4:27 left in the half.
A three-pointer from Clark and four more points from junior Scott Saunders (New Orleans, La.) followed to cap a 27-2 Bruin run over an 11 minute stretch.
Belmont led 39-16 at halftime.
Belmont shot 46 percent (13-for-28) from the field in the opening 20 minutes - including 3-for-10 from three-point distance. Belmont forced 13 Kennesaw State turnovers in the first half.
Much like two nights earlier against Mercer, Hedgepeth led the Bruins offensively to start the second half providing two interior baskets.
Belmont remained focused throughout, as tough, united team defense led to high percentage shots. Johnson capped a 12-2 Bruin run with a driving layin to make the score 58-26 with 11:51 left.
Sophomore Brandon Baker (Milford, Ohio) and sophomore Adam Barnes (Clarksville, Tenn.) made consecutive three-pointers down the stretch as 10 Bruins scored in the second half.
All told, Belmont shot 53 percent (31-for-58) from the field - including 6-for-19 from three-point distance. Belmont outrebounded Kennesaw State, 37-26, and forced 23 turnovers.
The Bruins tied a program-record with 18 steals.
Saunders led four Bruins in double figures with 19 points and six rebounds. Clark scored 14 points, while Hedgepeth added 11 points and seven rebounds.
Jenkins scored a career-high tying 10 points.
Johnson added nine points, a program-record nine steals, and seven assists.
Markeith Cummings and Aaron Anderson each scored eight points for Kennesaw State (8-22, 6-14 Atlantic Sun).
With the victory, Belmont ties Kansas for the NCAA lead in Division-I victories (27). The Bruins also tie Brigham Young for the most road/neutral victories this season (15).
Belmont's 12 "true" road victories are second nationally, only behind Long Island.
Belmont (27-4, 19-1 Atlantic Sun) returns to action Wednesday, Mar. 2 in the Atlantic Sun Tournament Quarterfinals in Macon, Ga..
The Bruins will play either Campbell or Kennesaw State at 1:30pm CT.
The final Atlantic Sun Conference regular season game of the season - Florida Gulf Coast at USC Upstate - will impact tiebreaker scenarios and seeding for Nos. 7 and 8 in the tournament.
If USC Upstate defeats FGCU, Belmont will face Campbell. If FGCU defeats USC Upstate, Belmont will face Kennesaw State.
