Box Score NASHVILLE, Tenn. - - Behind double figure scoring output from all five starters, Belmont University men's basketball led from start to finish in defeating Lipscomb, 89-60, Friday night.
With much anticipation for the season opener - given the first non-conference meeting of the 'Battle of the Boulevard' series plus curiosity over Bruin life after heralded performers Drew Hanlen, Mick Hedgepeth, and Scott Saunders - Belmont proved formidable from the opening tip.
Five points from senior Trevor Noack (Keller, Texas) got the Bruins off to a quick 10-2 lead.
After Deonte Alexander got Lipscomb within 12-10, junior J.J. Mann (Smyrna, Ga.) capped a 7-0 Bruin run to push the lead back to 19-10 with 12:44 left in the first half.
Play was a bit ragged and mistaken-prone early, but the Belmont effort and unified team defense was unquestioned. A deep three-pointer by senior Ian Clark (Memphis, Tenn.) and a tip-in by Noack helped Belmont maintain a 30-18 lead with 4:47 left in the half.
After a Carter Sanderson three-pointer, Belmont closed the half on a determined 12-5 run. Consecutive three-pointers by Mann and Clark, and a buzzer-beating layin by Noack sent the Bruins to the locker room up 16, 42-26.
Noack and Clark each had 11 points at the break, as Belmont shot 54 percent from the floor in the opening 20 minutes. The Bruins limited Lipscomb to 37 percent shooting, while forcing 14 first half Bison turnovers.
The two teams exchanged offensive flurries early in the second half, with Clark and senior Kerron Johnson (Huntsville, Ala.) answering scores from Alexander and Carter Sanderson.
Lipscomb twice closed to within 12 points, but Belmont had an answer each time. Johnson capped a 12-4 Bruin run which made the score 70-50 with 7:32 left.
Solid bench contributions from senior Brandon Baker (Milford, Ohio) and sophomore Reece Chamberlain (Goodlettsville, Tenn.) kept the momentum going as Belmont led by as many as 31 points down the stretch.
All told, Belmont shot 50 percent (29-for-58) from the field - including 11-for-27 from three-point distance. Belmont blocked six shots and had 16 steals on 25 Bison turnovers.
Johnson led all scorers with 22 points. Clark added 19, while Mann chipped in 17 points. Noack had 11 and junior Blake Jenkins (Knoxville, Tenn.) scored 10.
Alexander led Lipscomb (0-1) with 14 points.
Belmont (1-0) returns to action Tuesday, Nov. 13 in the home opener against Maryville (Mo.). Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. CT from the Curb Event Center.
The live play-by-play of Voice of the Bruins Kevin Ingram can be heard on the Bruin Sports Network and flagship 104.5 The Zone. Live video streaming will be provided via the OVC Digital Network.
