NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Belmont women's basketball team will enter a new era under Head Coach Cameron Newbauer this weekend when it takes to the hardwood for the first time. The Bruins open the 2013-14 campaign on the road at IUPUI on Saturday.
The Jaguars finished 20-12 overall and sported a 12-4 mark for second place in the Summit League last year. IUPUI unofficially opened this season with a convincing 84-28 exhibition win over Manchester University earlier this week.
IUPUI returns three starters, including top returning scorer DeAirra Goss, who averaged 12.4 points per game last year. Dee-Dee Bellamy, who averaged 3.9 boards per outing, is the top returning rebounder.
IUPUI leads the all-time series between the programs 1-0 after holding off the Bruins one year ago in Nashville.
Belmont returns seven letterwinners who helped the team finish 18-14 overall and an OVC mark of 11-5 one year ago. The 2013-14 edition of the Belmont women's basketball team is stacked with youth and versatility that should aid the team in its pursuit of returning to postseason play for the second consecutive season.
BU will look to two of its leading scorers in senior Molly Ernst (Louisville, Ky.) and Preseason All-OVC selection junior Jordyn Luffman (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.), who averaged 9.0 and 8.9 points per game, respectively, to help lead the young team. Luffman is also the top rebounder returning from last season, pulling down 7.2 per outing.
Saturday's game at IUPUI is set to tip-off at 2pm CT. The contest can be seen live online and live stats will be available. A live Twitter feed (@BelmontWBB) will also be available.
