TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - - Belmont University men's basketball dropped an 85-73 decision at Indiana State Saturday afternoon.
The Bruins, playing their sixth consecutive game against a 2013 postseason opponent including five on the road, just could not build a rhythm against the formidable Sycamores.
It was a rematch of a highly-entertaining game in Nashville Nov. 14, which saw the Bruins claim a 96-95 victory.
Belmont recovered from an early 19-11 deficit, using the shooting of junior Spencer Turner (Bloomington, Ind.) to score 11 unanswered points and claim a 22-19 lead.
In fact, eight Bruins scored in a seesaw first half that saw Indiana State lead 38-36 at the break.
Belmont shot 52 percent (13-for-25) from the field in the opening 20 minutes - including 7-for-14 from three-point distance. But 11 first half turnovers, many unforced, hurt the cause.
Belmont took a 46-44 lead with 13:32 left on a dunk from freshman Evan Bradds (Jamestown, Ohio), and traded leads with the Sycamores for the next seven minutes.
However, Jake Odum helped push Indiana State to a working margin by drawing fouls, making free throws, and finishing in traffic.
Sophomore Craig Bradshaw (Ridgetop, Tenn.) kept Belmont well-positioned for a stretch run with determined drives and assists. But Odum, who scored 12 of Indiana State's 16 points during one six minute stretch, gave the hosts a 69-59 lead with 4:38 left. The Bruins got as close as seven thereafter.
Indiana State made 16-of-19 free throws in the second half.
Bradshaw led Belmont with 18 points and six assists. Bradds had 15, while junior Reece Chamberlain (Goodlettsville, Tenn.) added 12.
Belmont (8-6) opens OVC play Thursday, Jan. 2 versus Jacksonville State. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. CT from the Curb Event Center.
The game will be broadcast live on the OVC Digital Network. 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. In-game updates will be available on Twitter @BelmontMBB.
