Box Score TAMPA, Fla. - - Belmont University men's basketball fought through an early deficit but dropped a 78-61 decision to [rv/rv] Florida Monday night.
As was the case in its opening two games vs. Vanderbilt and Western Kentucky, Belmont struggled out of the gates. But unlike Saturday's night's stirring reversal of fortune, on this evening, the Bruins simply dug themselves too deep of a hole.
Belmont went scoreless the opening 5:13, as Florida rode the play of John Egbunu to claim a 24-4 lead midway through the first half.
But the Bruins showcased their trademark toughness and resolve, working back into the game.
Senior Evan Bradds (Jamestown, Ohio) spearheaded the Belmont charge, and the Bruins quickly closed to 26-11 on a 3-pointer from sophomore Dylan Windler (Indianapolis, Ind.).
Belmont's defense strengthened, as the Bruins held Florida to two made field goals the final 9:31 of the half.
A twisting Bradds layin and a 3-pointer from senior Taylor Barnette (Lexington, Ky.) narrowed the margin to 34-21 with 3:32 left in the half.
A baseline Bradds slam and three points from sophomore Kevin McClain (Jennings, Fla.) got Belmont within 12, 38-26, at halftime.
The Bruins shot 44 percent (11-for-25) from the field in the opening 20 minutes.
After weathering the early storm, Belmont pressed on.
Five quick points from junior Amanze Egekeze (Lake in the Hills, Ill.) got Belmont within 40-31 with 17:38 remaining.
With renewed vigor and life on the boards, Belmont had two chances to close within six points, before Canyon Barry sparked a 15-0 Gator run.
Barry scored 11 points during a four-minute stretch that saw Florida reassert a 53-34 advantage.
Bradds and McClain would continue to lead the Belmont offensive effort, but timely shots from Florida's backcourt staved off each Belmont comeback push.
All told, Belmont shot 39 percent (20-for-51) from the field - including 7-for-27 from 3-point distance.
Bradds led Belmont with 17 points, while McClain had 10.
Barry led Florida (4-0) with 17 points.
The game was played at Amalie Arena.
Belmont returns to action Friday, Nov. 25 at [23/25] Rhode Island. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on the Atlantic 10 Network. The live play-by-play of Voice of the Bruins Kevin Ingram can be heard on Bruin Sports Network.
NOTES: Bradds dazzled on 7-for-9 shooting, regularly scoring through double and triple teams ... Afterwards, Florida head coach Mike White complimented Bradds' ability, and his overall respect for Coach Byrd ... The game marked McClain's first college game in his home state of Florida ... Gator forward Justin Leon appeared to dislocate his left pinky finger in the opening minute of the game; he was attended to by athletic trainers and later returned ... Seth Adelsperger had two points and six rebounds in four minutes ... Florida outscored Belmont, 36-17, in points off the bench.
