NASHVILLE, Tenn. - - Behind clutch performances from J.J. Mann, Reece Chamberlain, and Craig Bradshaw, Belmont University men's basketball defeated Morehead State, 80-66, Thursday night.
The Eagles would score the game's first five points, before two baskets from Mann and a thunderous slam from freshman Evan Bradds (Jamestown, Ohio) capped an 11-0 Belmont reply.
Both teams would showcase strong defensive effort and efficient offense early, with Mann and Morehead State's Brent Arrington answering shot for shot.
A layin from Chamberlain and a pullup jumper from freshman Caleb Chowbay (Mt. Juliet, Tenn.) pushed the Bruin lead to 27-20 with 5:52 left in the half.
But Arrington continued his torrid pace, with a drive and a transition three-pointer tying the score at 27.
Mann would score seven points in the final 1:56 of the half as the Bruins led 38-34 at the break.
Belmont shot 46 percent (12-for-26) in the opening 20 minutes - including 3-for-6 from three-point distance. The Bruins also outrebounded Morehead State by three in the first half.
Mann had 15 first half points and Chamberlain added 12.
Arrington led Morehead State with 19 at halftime.
Meanwhile, Bradshaw who entered averaging nearly 20 ppg in OVC play, surprisingly went scoreless in the first half.
But that would change in a big way in half number two.
Bradshaw scored seven points in the first 3:21 of the second half as Belmont increased its lead to 47-41 with 16:39 left.
Chamberlain then tacked on a conventional three-point play to push the lead to nine.
With Morehead State point guard Kareem Storey ailing due to a leg injury sustained late in the first half, and Arrington and Drew Kelly in foul trouble, the Eagles turned to Angelo Warner to stay within reach.
A deep Warner three-pointer trimmed the margin to 55-49 with 13:25 left. After five points between Bradshaw and senior Drew Windler (South Milwaukee, Wisc.), Greg Dotson got the Eagles within 60-54.
From there, a Chamberlain steal and crowd-pleasing Bradshaw slam and four free throws extended the lead to 66-54 with 7:43 left.
The Bruins would exhibit great poise and execution down the stretch, going 13-for-16 from the free throw line while committing just three turnovers in the second half.
All told, Belmont shot 50 percent (25-for-50) from the field - including 6-for-11 from three-point distance. The Bruins forced 16 Morehead State turnovers.
Bradshaw led three Bruins in double figures with a career-high tying 24 points - all coming in the second half. Mann added 19 points on only eight field goal attempts. Chamberlain delivered a strong, all-around game with a career-high tying 17 points, six rebounds, six assists and foul steals.
Arrington led Morehead State (13-8, 4-2 OVC) with 21 points.
Belmont (15-7, 6-1 OVC) returns to game action Saturday, Jan. 25 versus Eastern Kentucky. 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.
NOTES: Belmont has won 49 of its last 51 home games ... Morehead State entered play 13th in the nation in rebound margin (+8.5), having outrebounded 19 of 20 opponents; the Eagles outrebounded Belmont by one, 28-27 ... Drew Windler recorded a career-high four blocked shots ... Sophomore Jeff Laidig had two second half free throws ... Bradshaw's 24-point second half is one point shy of J.J. Mann's 25-point second half at Middle Tennessee (12/3/13) ... Belmont had 34 points in the paint and 21 points off turnovers.
