ESPN Highlights
CLEMSON, S.C. - - Belmont University men's basketball led most of the second half but dropped a hard-fought 73-68 decision at Clemson Tuesday night in the 2014 Postseason NIT quarterfinal round.
Often times two numbers on a scoreboard fail to paint a complete picture. And that would be the case on this night, in front of a boisterous Littlejohn Coliseum crowd.
After inspired victories over Horizon League Champion Green Bay and Northeast Conference Champion Robert Morris, Belmont entered the evening one win away from joining an exclusive list of non-power conference programs ever to reach the NIT Final Four at famed Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Standing in its way was a formidable foe from the Atlantic Coast Conference, a defensive-minded Clemson team that made the game a true contrast in styles; the Bruins boasted nationally-ranked offensive efficiency and three-point shooting while the Tigers ranked among the nation's best in scoring defense and three-point field goal percentage defense.
Clemson came out strong, as a three-pointer from Jordan Roper and a steal and slam from K.J. McDaniels gave the hosts a quick 5-0 lead.
But undeterred, the Bruins answered back with six straight points.
The Bruins stood toe-to-toe with Clemson, as spirited play from both teams led to compelling action.
After four early ties, a short jumper from senior J.J. Mann (Smyrna, Ga.) and a deep three-pointer from sophomore Craig Bradshaw (Ridgetop, Tenn.) pushed Belmont to an 18-13 lead with 10:44 left in the half.
But the Bruins went cold, managing one field goal over the next six minutes. Roper capped a 15-2 Clemson run with a layin to make the score 28-20 with 4:44 left in the half.
After a much needed three-pointer from Mann steadied things, Belmont was dealt consecutive haymakers off the bench. Reserve post player Ibrahim Djambo, who entered play 8-for-38 from three-point distance on the season, hit consecutive three-pointers - the latter of which while being fouled – to extend Clemson's lead to 35-23 with 2:21 left in the half.
But just as the partisan Tiger fans rose in unison, Belmont delivered a stern reply. Two free throws from Bradshaw and a timely baseline three-pointer from senior Blake Jenkins (Knoxville, Tenn.) got the Bruins within 35-28.
Then after two free throws from Austin Ajukwa, junior Reece Chamberlain (Goodlettsville, Tenn.) buried a three-pointer before the first half buzzer to get the Bruins within 37-31 at halftime.
Belmont shot 31 percent (11-for-35) from the field in the opening 20 minutes – including 5-for-16 from three-point distance. The Bruins outrebounded Clemson, 22-18, and limited the Tigers to only two fast break points in the final 18 minutes of the half.
Mann led Belmont with 11 first half points.
The Bruins continued their momentum into the second half. A Mann backdoor layin and consecutive three-pointers from senior Drew Windler (South Milwaukee, Wis.) and Bradshaw gave Belmont a 39-37 lead with 17:43 remaining.
After McDaniels put Clemson back ahead, Bradshaw answered with a three-pointer of his own. The Bruins were the aggressors; playing confident, free-flowing basketball. If Belmont, did not score initially, the team simply fought on the offensive glass for second and third shot opportunities that paid big dividends.
Another layin from Jenkins, and three-pointers from Windler and Mann pushed the Belmont advantage to 50-44 with 13:58 left.
But after a Landry Nnoko layin, Chamberlain had a three-point attempt blocked by McDaniels on the left wing. The players' legs got tangled up as they headed downcourt, and Chamberlain would be mysteriously whistled for a flagrant foul with 13:09 left.
Following two free throws, Adonis Filer scored on a floater in the lane to tie the score at 50.
The Bruins responded with baskets from Mann and Jenkins to push back to a 54-50 lead with 11:22 remaining.
Belmont then surprised Clemson with trapping defense near midcourt, appearing to force a backcourt violation, before Ajukwa would make a three-pointer to close the Tigers within one.
Bradshaw would score twice on driving baskets to keep Belmont ahead before Damarcus Harrison made a three-pointer to tie the score at 58 with 7:12 left.
The Bruins would hold Clemson scoreless over the next three minutes, riding inspired play from Jenkins and another Bradshaw three-pointer to a 63-58 lead with 4:12 left.
Harrison would respond with a wing three-pointer to get the Tigers within two, before Bradshaw answered yet again with another deep, contested three-pointer to give the Bruins a 66-61 advantage with 3:53 remaining.
Moments later, Rod Hall would complete a conventional three-point play to get Clemson within 66-64.
Chamberlain would then miss a baseline three-pointer before Harrison continued his torrid pace with a baseline three-pointer to put Clemson ahead 67-66 with 2:45 left – the Tigers' first lead since 40-39.
Mann provided two free throws to put Belmont back on top with 2:29 to go, but Harrison hit a twisting 12-footer to put Clemson ahead 69-68 with 1:59 left.
Bradshaw nearly put Belmont back ahead, but his wing three-pointer on the Bruins' next possession dipped in and out.
Freshman Evan Bradds (Jamestown, Ohio) would be fouled on the rebound to preserve possession.
On the subsequent inbounds play, Windler would be called for a double-dribble awarding possession back to Clemson.
Hall scored a driving layin to push the Tiger lead to three, 71-68, with 1:17 remaining.
Chamberlain would proceed to lose the basketball on a baseline drive, but steal the ball right back from McDaniels. McDaniels would foul in pursuit of the ball, and send Chamberlain to the line with 52 seconds remaining.
Chamberlain would miss the front end of the 1-and-1, and Nnoko would secure the rebound.
But the hectic final sequence took another turn, as Hall threw the ball away amidst Bruin pressure defense.
From there, Belmont drew up a promising look for Mann for an equalizing three-pointer along the baseline, but his shot bounced around and out.
Nnoko would make one free throw with 23 seconds left to extend the margin to four points.
Another Belmont rim out and one more Clemson free throw provided the final margin.
All told, Belmont shot 39 percent (25-for-65) from the field – including 12-for-32 from three-point distance. The Bruins outrebounded Clemson, 41-32, which included 18 offensive rebounds.
Bradshaw led three Bruins in double figures with 21 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals. Mann added 20 points, seven rebounds and three steals. Jenkins had 13 points and eight rebounds.
Chamberlain had nine assists and one turnover.
Harrison and McDaniels each scored 16 points for Clemson (23-12).
The Tigers went a season-high 10-for-21 from behind the arc.
Clemson closed the game on a 12-2 run.
Belmont finishes the season 26-10.
NOTES: Mann and Jenkins finish their remarkable Bruin careers with 109 victories, seven conference championships (four regular season, three tournament), a 70-8 conference record and a 51-2 home record…Belmont records 26 or more victories for a fourth consecutive season...Belmont's 68 points were the second-most scored against Clemson by a non-conference opponent this season...Arkansas scored 74.
