Box Score NASHVILLE, Tenn. - - Behind a career-high 32 points from senior Ian Clark (Memphis, Tenn.), Belmont men's basketball defeated UT Martin, 90-53, Saturday afternoon.
After pouring in 30 points Thursday night in victory over Southeast Missouri, Clark again showcased his sensational, all-around game in another inspired performance.
UT Martin's Justin Childs scored the game's first points, but Belmont held the Skyhawks scoreless for the next five minutes. A three-pointer from freshman Craig Bradshaw (Franklin, Tenn.) capped an 11-0 Belmont run to make the score 11-2 six minutes in.
The visiting Skyhawks did well to control tempo in the opening 10 minutes, but Bruin pressure and united defense started to open things up.
Myles Taylor cut the score to 13-9 with 11:48 left in the half, but Belmont forced 12 first half turnovers to unleash high percentage shots in transition.
Ian Clark scored 12 straight Belmont points during one stretch, making the score 27-16 with 5:07 left in the half.
Then after two free throws and a dunk by Blake Jenkins (Knoxville, Tenn.), Clark added two more deep three-pointers and a blocked shot as the first-half buzzer sounded to give Belmont a 46-22 lead at halftime.
Belmont shot 57 percent (17-for-40) from the field in the opening 20 minutes - including 6-for-12 from three-point distance.
But Clark was the story, scoring 24 points in the first half on 9-9 shooting, 4-4 from three-point distance and 2-2 from the free throw line.
After driving layins from senior Kerron Johnson (Huntsville, Ala.) and Bradshaw to start the second half, Clark scored six more points to cap a 14-0 Belmont run, making the score 62-26 with 13:49 left.
Clark tallied a new career-high on a transition tip-in basket with 10:36 left.
Aside from Bradshaw, the Bruins also got solid bench contributions from sophomore Reece Chamberlain (Goodlettsville, Tenn.), senior Adam Barnes (Clarksville, Tenn.) and sophomore Holden Mobley (Nashville, Tenn.) down the stretch.
All told, Belmont shot 53 percent (32-for-61) from the field - including 11-for-27 from three-point distance. The Bruins scored 35 points off 25 Skyhawk turnovers, coming two shy of the Curb Event Center record for steals.
11 Bruins scored in the game.
Clark's 32 point effort came on just 15 field goal attempts. Bradshaw also equalled his career-high with 11 points.
Taylor led UT Martin (4-14, 1-5 OVC) with 15 points.
Belmont (13-4, 4-0 OVC) returns to action Thursday, Jan. 17 against Eastern Kentucky. 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. Live video streaming will be available via the OVC Digital Network. In-game updates will be provided via Twitter @BelmontMBB.
