NASHVILLE, Tenn. - - Belmont University men's basketball completes its pre-exam non-conference schedule Tuesday night at Middle Tennessee.
The Bruins shot 57 percent from the field in the first half before dropping an 81-68 decision to No. 24 VCU Sunday. The setback snapped Belmont's NCAA-best 23 game home court win streak.
Freshman Evan Bradds (Jamestown, Ohio) continued his fine play against the Rams, providing 10 points, five assists and four rebounds in his second career start. He was named OVC co-Player of the Week Monday.
Belmont and Middle Tennessee each reached the 2013 NCAA Tournament. The Bruins earned the OVC automatic bid and a No. 11 seed in the second round games played in Salt Lake City, Utah, while the Blue Raiders received an at-large bid and a No. 11 seed in the first round games played in Dayton, Ohio.
Belmont and Middle Tennessee have each been strong regular season conference teams, with the Bruins winning three straight regular season conference titles ('11, '12 A-Sun, '13 OVC) and the Blue Raiders winning three of the last four Sun Belt regular season conference title before joining Conference USA this season.
This marks the 34th meeting between Belmont and Middle Tennessee, 18th since Belmont went NCAA Division I in 1996-97. The Bruins have won five of the last six and six of the last eight meetings. This includes 64-49 last year in Nashville. Belmont and Middle Tennessee have met every year since the 2004-05 season.
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. CT from the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tenn.
The game will be carried live on MyTV30 in the Nashville market, but Belmont fans are encouraged to make the short trip and support the team.
The live play-by-play of Voice of the Bruins Kevin Ingram can be heard on the Bruin Sports Network. Live in-game updates will be available on Twitter @BelmontMBB.
Game Notes - Belmont at Middle Tennessee
