RICHMOND, Ky. - - Belmont University men's basketball dropped a 74-63 decision at Eastern Kentucky Thursday night.
Senior Drew Windler (South Milwaukee, Wisc.) continued his fine shooting by sinking the game's first three-pointer 90 seconds in.
In another intense meeting between the OVC East teams, neither side led by more than one possession until Windler buried another three-pointer to give the Bruins an 18-14 lead with 10:59 remaining in the first half.
And while Belmont continued to play with passion and showcase crisp passing and halfcourt execution, shots simply wouldn't fall. The Bruins endured a rare six minute field goal drought that helped the Colonels grab a modest lead.
Nevertheless, senior Blake Jenkins (Knoxville, Tenn.) spearheaded some nice work on the offensive glass, as his tip-in basket and kick out three-pointer to sophomore Craig Bradshaw (Ridgetop, Tenn.) gave Belmont a 25-22 lead with 4:00 left in the half.
The Bruins nearly pushed the lead to six with under a minute to go, but senior J.J. Mann (Smyrna, Ga.) had a promising three-pointer whirlpool in and out.
Eric Stutz got Eastern Kentucky within 32-31 at halftime.
Belmont shot 39 percent (10-for-26) from the field in the opening 20 minutes – including 5-for-16 from three-point distance. The first half featured eight ties and four lead changes.
Bradshaw led the way with 10 first half points.
The teams exchanged offensive haymakers early in the second half, as a determined dunk from Windler sandwiched around three-pointers from Bradshaw and Mann gave the Bruins a 39-35 lead with 17:02 left.
Moments later, junior Reece Chamberlain (Goodlettsville, Tenn.) took a scary spill hurdling over the Belmont bench in pursuit of a loose ball. That, coincided with inspired play from the Colonels, enabled the hosts to build a working margin.
After Mann tied the score at 48 with 10:03 left, Eastern Kentucky went on a decisive 13-0 run over the next three minutes. Corey Walden began the spurt with a deep, fadeaway three-pointer in front of the Colonel bench.
The Bruins never go away quietly, and this would be no exception, as they closed to within 63-55 at the under four timeout on two Chamberlain free throws.
Belmont got within seven on a Bradshaw basket with under two minutes to go, but could not get over the hump.
All told, Belmont shot a season-low 38 percent (18-for-48) from the field – including 9-for-30 from three-point distance. The Bruins outrebounded Eastern Kentucky, 37-24, and were +14 on second chance points, but committed 20 turnovers.
Bradshaw led three Bruins in double figures with 22 points. Windler had 12 points and six rebounds, while Mann added 10.
Walden led Eastern Kentucky (12-6, 3-2 OVC) with 18 points.
Belmont (12-7, 4-1 OVC) returns to game action Saturday, Jan. 18 at Tennessee State. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. CT.
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.
