NASHVILLE, Tenn. - - Evan Bradds scored 24 of his game-high 26 points in the second half as Belmont University men's basketball defeated Valparaiso, 85-81, Monday evening.
In a game befitting of March between two of the top mid-major programs in college basketball, Belmont simply would not be denied.
If the Dec. 3 meeting between the Bruins and Crusaders was a tractor pull, Belmont had every intention of turning this contest into a track meet.
Behind eight quick points from senior Craig Bradshaw (Ridgetop, Tenn.), Belmont raced out to a 10-0 lead 3:14 in.
But following a timeout, Valparaiso responded with 12 unanswered points of its own.
A deep three-pointer from junior Taylor Barnette (Lexington, Ky.) and a second chance layin from freshman Kevin McClain (Jennings, Fla.) gave Belmont a 19-16 lead with 8:43 left in the half.
Another three-pointer from Barnette pushed the lead to four before Keith Carter capped an 8-0 Crusader spurt to give the visitors a 26-22 lead.
After a David Skara basket made the score 29-24, the Bruins closed the first half on a 10-4 run, as two Bradshaw free throws gave Belmont a 34-33 lead at halftime.
Belmont shot 43 percent (13-for-30) from the field in the opening 20 minutes - including 6-for-15 from three-point distance.
The Bruins outrebounded Valparaiso, 22-18, in the first half, and held the Crusaders to 36 percent shooting.
Bradshaw led Belmont with 14 first half points.
Carter would tie the score at 36 with 19:19 remaining, before Belmont scored 11 straight points.
Bradds and sophomore Mack Mercer (Plymouth, Ind.) would each deliver two bsakets during the run as Belmont built a 47-36 lead.
Valparaiso was limited to two field goals in the seven and a half minutes of the second half before Tevonn Walker closed the margin to 49-43.
Two scores from Bradds and a conventional three-point play from freshman Dylan Windler (Indianapolis, Ind.) increased the lead back to 12, 57-45, with 8:46 left.
But moments later, sophomore Amanze Egekeze (Lake in the Hills, Ill.) would pick up his fourth personal foul, forcing him to the bench.
Bradds scored seven points over the next 90 seconds to preserve a double figure lead, but Valparaiso would strike back.
After Barnette scored along the baseline, Skara and Carter each connected from long distance to close the margin to 66-63 with 4:30 remaining.
With Bradds drawing increased attention as the game wore on, he showcased his all-around game, feeding Barnette for a timely three-pointer to push the lead back to six, 69-63, with 3:50 to go.
The Crusaders would not go away, closing within 73-69 on two Alec Peters free throws.
On Belmont's next possession, Bradshaw drove baseline and found a slicing Bradds for a dramatic dunk plus the foul. Bradds completed the conventional three-point play to put the Bruins up seven, 76-69, with 2:21 left.
But after two empty Bruin trips, a Skara layin got Valparaiso within 76-74 with 1:07 left.
Bradshaw proceeded to earn two free throws on Belmont's next possession, extending the lead back to four, 78-74, with 35 seconds to go.
After an exchange of free throws, Tevonn Walker swirled home a baseline three-pointer to get the Crusaders within one, 80-79, with 20 seconds left.
Belmont then freed Bradshaw, who calmly sank both free throws to push the margin back to three.
Peters would then miss a potential game-tying three-pointer with 11 seconds left, before Bradds secured the rebound.
Belmont made nine consecutive free throws in the final 35 seconds before Bradshaw rimmed out an inconsequential attempt with under one second remaining.
All told, Belmont shot 50 percent (29-for-58) from the field - including 57 percent in the second half.
The Bruins handed out 20 assists on 29 made field goals.
Bradds led three Bruins in double figures with 26 points and 10 rebounds. Bradshaw added 21 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals. while Barnette scored 16.
Hammink led Valparaiso (10-3) with 19 points.
Belmont (8-6) returns to game action Thursday, Dec. 31 at Southeast Missouri. Tip-off is set for 12 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on OVC Digital Network. The live play-by-play of Voice of the Bruins Kevin Ingram can be heard on the Bruin Sports Network.
NOTES: With a field goal to start the second half, Bradds went over 1,000 points for his career ... Bradds now has 12 career double-doubles and four in his last seven games ... Valparaiso entered the game No. 2 nationally in defensive efficiency and No. 20 in the RPI; Belmont's 85 points were 12 more than the Crusaders' previous high allowed (73 at Oregon) and 29 more than the Crusaders' season average (56.3) ... Belmont has won 71 of its last 75 home games dating back to February 2010 ... Bradshaw has 29 career games of 20+ points ... Belmont outscored Valparaiso, 42-32, in the paint.
