RICHMOND, Ky. - - Belmont University men's basketball rode one of its most efficient offensive performances in recent memory in defeating Eastern Kentucky, 85-74, Saturday night.
In a rematch of a highly-entertaining game at the Curb Event Center Jan. 17, Belmont showcased sharp, unselfish offense right from the opening tip.
Seven early points from senior Brandon Baker (Milford, Ohio) pushed the Bruins to a 14-8 lead six minutes in.
A three-pointer from Mike DiNunno capped an 11-2 EKU run that gave the hosts a 19-16 advantage midway through the first half.
Riding strong guard play and confident shooting, Belmont asserted control. Two three-pointers from junior J.J. Mann (Smyrna, Ga.), layins from senior Trevor Noack (Keller, Texas) and junior Blake Jenkins (Knoxville, Tenn.) and a three-pointer from sophomore Reece Chamberlain (Goodlettsville, Tenn.) accounted for a 13-0 Bruin run to make the score 29-19 with 6:01 left in the first half.
After Tarius Johnson got the hosts within seven, Mann and freshman Jeff Laidig (Mishawaka, Ind.) made consecutive three-pointers to increase the Bruin lead to 40-27 with 2:06 left in the half.
Belmont led 42-31 at halftime.
Belmont shot a remarkable 70 percent (16-for-23) from the field in the opening 20 minutes – including 7-for-8 from three-point distance. The Bruins had 14 assists on 16 made field goals and outrebounded EKU by five.
Both teams continued the offensive haymakers into the second half. A Corey Walden basket got the Colonels within 45-37 with 17:00 left before Kerron Johnson highlighted an 8-1 Belmont spurt within a short jumper to make the score 55-40.
But each time Belmont appeared poise to break free, Eastern Kentucky delivered an offensive reply.
With fouls on Jenkins and Johnson mounting, the Colonels worked into the bonus with 11:56 left. Four free throws and a Walden layin cut the margin to 63-55 with 10:36 remaining.
Yet the Bruins remained poised, as Clark sank a silky baseline jumper and Noack scored inside to give Belmont a 69-58 lead with 8:12 left.
Marcus Lewis, who entered the game 4-for-28 from three-point distance on the season, provided a huge lift for the Colonels, making three second half three-pointers, the last of which got EKU within eight.
But another driving layin from Clark and a steal and score from Mann gave the Bruins a seemingly secure 75-63 lead with 5:01 left.
Yet given its ability to score in bunches, EKU orchestrated one final push. Seven straight points from Walden trimmed the margin to 75-70 with 3:26 to go.
Then after a steal and Johnson foul, DiNunno made one free throw with 2:54 left to get the Colonels within four. He would then miss the second free throw attempt, but teammate Eric Stutz grabbed the offensive rebound.
Against scrambling Bruin defense, DiNunno then took a challenged three-pointer on Stutz's kickout pass, but the shot rimmed off.
Chamberlain secured a timely rebound for Belmont to momentarily subdue the spirited McBrayer Arena crowd.
From there, Johnson delivered the shot of the game – a tough, wing three-pointer at the end of the shot clock to put Belmont back up seven, 78-71, with 2:18 to go.
Mann followed it up with a steal and pass to Clark for a driving basket and an 80-71 edge with 1:22 left.
Belmont went 5-for-6 from the free throw line in the final 53 seconds to secure the victory.
All told, Belmont shot a season-high 67.4 percent (31-for-46) from the field – including 11-for-15 from three-point distance. The Bruins handed out 20 assists and forced 17 EKU turnovers.
Clark led four Bruins in double figures with 21 points – his sixth consecutive 20+ point scoring performance. Mann added 18 points, six assists and three steals. Johnson had 16 points and four assists while Noack chipped in 13 points and a game-high eight rebounds.
Walden led EKU (16-5, 6-2 OVC) with 24 points.
Belmont (17-4, 8-0 OVC) returns to action Thursday, Jan. 31 against Morehead 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.
NOTES: Belmont set a new NCAA era single-game field goal percentage standard (.674)…The previous mark was .642 at Chattanooga Nov. 22, 2005 … The Bruins also set a new single-game three-point field goal percentage standard (.733, 11-for-15) … The previous mark was .680 (17-25, at Chattanooga Nov. 22, 2005) … Eastern Kentucky became just the third Belmont opponent to shoot at least 50 percent from the field … Belmont has won nine games away from home this season … Belmont has seven RPI Top 100 victories, based on Jan. 26 rankings … Belmont has won 49 of its last 52 conference games, dating back to the 2010-11 season.
