Box Score NASHVILLE, Tenn. - - Behind a career-high tying 25 points from senior Kerron Johnson (Huntsville, Ala.), Belmont University men's basketball defeated Morehead State, 93-74, Thursday night.
In a game characterized by 53 fouls and 74 free throw attempts combined, Belmont showed fine form throughout. After escaping with a 64-63 victory at Morehead State one week ago, the Bruins were engaged and active from the opening tip.
A layin from senior Ian Clark (Memphis, Tenn.) pushed Belmont to an 8-1 lead less than three minutes in. Nine quick points from Bakari Turner gave Morehead State a brief lead, but sophomore Reece Chamberlain (Goodlettsville, Tenn.) capped a 10-0 run to give Belmont a 20-11 lead with 13:20 left in the first half.
Morehead State, among the NCAA leaders in fouls committed, sent Belmont to the bonus with 12:39 left in the half, and the Bruins took advantage from the free throw line.
Free throws from junior Blake Jenkins (Knoxville, Tenn.) and Johnson increased the margin to 24-13.
A Clark three-pointer and a Jenkins slam stretched the lead to 35-19, but Clark would pick up his second personal foul with 9:17 left in the half and be forced to the sidelines.
Belmont played tough, united defense in the halfcourt and in selective fullcourt pressure, turning Morehead State turnovers into open court opportunities.
Eight straight Johnson free throws in a 1:19 span gave Belmont a 45-24 lead with 5:49 left in the first half.
After Angelo Warner trimmed the margin to 13, junior J.J. Mann (Smyrna, Ga.) sank a baseline three-pointer which helped Belmont close the half strong, taking a 55-36 advantage at the break.
Belmont shot 54 percent (14-for-26) from the field in the opening 20 minutes - including 4-for-7 from three-point distance. But given the Eagle fouls, Belmont was an astounding 23-for-26 from the free throw line in the first half, including 14-for-14 from Johnson.
Belmont forced 15 Morehead State turnovers in the first half.
A conventional three-point play from Johnson and another three-pointer from Mann stretched the lead to 61-38 with 17:35 left. Johnson, in particular, was a veritable blur; darting into the lane offensively and instigating chaos defensively.
Warner and Devon Atkinson kept Morehead State somewhat within range, but the Eagles never got closer than 17 points.
A fast break slam by Jenkins and a gorgeous teardrop from Clark made the score 81-58 with 8:37 left.
Mounting fouls led to disjointed play, as the teams combined on 31 free throw attempts in the second half.
All told, Belmont shot 53 percent (26-for-49) from the field - including 6-for-16 from three-point distance. The Bruins forced 24 Morehead State turnovers.
Johnson led four Bruins in double figures with his 25 points on 19-for-21 free throw shooting. He added a season-high seven steals. Clark had 18 points and three steals, while Jenkins added 15 points and four rebounds.
Mann had 14 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
Warner led Morehead State (11-12, 5-4 OVC) with 16 points.
Belmont (18-4, 9-0 OVC) returns to action Saturday, Feb. 2 against Tennessee Tech. 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 has won 16 consecutive home games and 37 of its last 38 at the Curb Event Center ... Belmont has won 50 of its last 53 conference games dating back to the start of the 2010-11 season ... 35 made free throws is a new Belmont Curb Event Center record ... Johnson tied the program record for made free throws in a game (19) established by Robert Barnes in Jan. 1956 ... Johnson also equalled the program standard for free throw attempts in a game (21), and Curb Event Center record for steals (7) ... Belmont's 17 steals were one shy of a Curb Event Center record.
