Box Score NASHVILLE, Tenn. - - In a game with the intensity and drama of March, Belmont University men's basketball defeated Eastern Kentucky, 83-76, Thursday night.
After earning four consecutive victories to open OVC play, the Bruins hosted a talented and determined Colonel team that also entered the evening undefeated in conference.
Senior Ian Clark (Memphis, Tenn.) continued his fine form from the opening tip, sinking a baseline three-pointer 12 seconds in to get Belmont off and running.
A driving layin from senior Kerron Johnson (Huntsville, Ala.) followed as the Bruins held EKU scoreless the first 2:28 of the game.
Both teams played spirited, united team defense, and turnovers mounted quickly.
A floater from freshman Craig Bradshaw (Franklin, Tenn.) extended the lead to 11-4 six and a half minutes in.
After more solid defense, a baseline three-pointer from senior Brandon Baker (Milford, Ohio) gave the Bruins a 20-8 edge with 8:07 left in the half.
Following two straight EKU baskets, Clark and junior Blake Jenkins (Knoxville, Tenn.) accounted for all nine points during a spurt that increased the margin to 29-12 with 4:52 left in the half.
But EKU answered with a 10-0 run of its own, and closed to within 33-24 at halftime.
Belmont shot 54 percent (13-for-24) from the field in the opening 20 minutes – including 4-for-9 from three-point distance. The Bruins outrebounded the Colonels by six and forced 11 EKU turnovers. But Belmont committed 13 first half turnovers of its own.
EKU continued its momentum from late in the first half, but some came from an unexpected source. Riding the strong point guard play of Mike DiNunno, reserve Timmy Knipp – who had played just 44 minutes all season and made only one appearance since Nov. 28 – made two three-pointers in the first three minutes of the second half as the Colonels closed to within 37-35 with 17:57 left.
After a Jenkins tip-in, a conventional three-point play from Corey Walden and a deep three-pointer from DiNunno gave EKU its first lead, 41-39, with 17:02 remaining.
Temperatures rose and emotions flared early in the second half, but both teams delivered through physical play.
Five points from Clark and a layin from junior J.J. Mann (Smyrna, Ga.) gave Belmont a 46-41 lead with 14:49 left.
As fouls mounted on both sides, five free throws from EKU gave the visitors a 52-51 lead with 11:55 left.
Four points from Jenkins and a driving layin from Johnson put Belmont back on top 58-54 with 10:24 to go.
In this seesaw affair, the Colonels continue to find the range, as three-pointers from Orlando Williams and DiNunno pushed EKU back on top, 69-65, with 6:39 remaining.
From there, Belmont engineered a determined 12-0 over the next three minutes to reclaim control.
An offensive rebound basket from sophomore Reece Chamberlain (Goodlettsville, Tenn.), four three throws, and three-pointers from Mann and Clark pushed the Bruins to a 77-69 lead with 3:26 left.
But DiNunno had one final reply; first with a stepback three-pointer and then after a defensive stop, a 35-footer in front of the Colonel bench to narrow the margin to 77-75 with 2:38 left.
But Johnson calmly made two free throws on the next possession to push Belmont back to a four point edge with 2:13 remaining.
After an exchange of missed three-pointers, Deverin Muff made one free throw with 1:05 left to get EKU within 79-76.
Belmont worked the next possession, with Johnson driving late in the shot clock. His shot attempt came up short and deflected out of bounds off an EKU defender. Officials reviewed the replay monitor to see if Johnson's shot attempt had struck the rim, giving Belmont a new shot clock.
But it was ruled not to have hit the rim, and the Bruins were faced with a baseline inbounds play with two seconds on the shot clock with 31 seconds remaining in regulation.
On the subsequent inbounds play, Marcus Lewis fouled Jenkins, who made both free throws to give Belmont an 81-76 lead with 31 seconds left.
A defensive stop and two Clark free throws provided the final margin.
All told, Belmont shot 52 percent (28-for-54) from the field – including 8-for-20 from three-point distance. The Bruins outrebounded EKU, 38-19, and forced 16 Colonel turnovers.
Clark led three Bruins in double figures with 22 points. He added seven rebounds and three steals. Jenkins had 21 points, five rebounds and two steals. Johnson scored 15.
DiNunno led EKU (14-4, 4-1 OVC) with 24 points.
Belmont (14-4, 5-0 OVC) returns to action Saturday, Jan. 17 against Tennessee State. 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 104.5 The Zone. Live video streaming will be available via the OVC Digital Network. In-game updates will be provided via Twitter @BelmontMBB.
