KINGSTON, R.I. - - Belmont University men's basketball returns to action Friday at [23/25] Rhode Island.
Belmont dropped a 78-61 decision Monday vs. Florida in a game played at Amalie Arena in Tampa. Senior Evan Bradds (Jamestown, Ohio) scored a game-high 17 points on 7-for-9 shooting. The Jamestown, Ohio native led the nation in field goal percentage each of the last two seasons and was an Associated Press Honorable Mention All-America and OVC Player of the Year honoree.
Bradds and Rhode Island senior E.C. Matthews each garnered national preseason honors. Bradds was named to the Lute Olson, Julius Erving and Lou Henson Award watch lists, while Matthews was named to the Lute Olson, Jerry West and Naismith Award watch lists.
This is the second consecutive season that Belmont will face a Hurley coached team. The Bruins played at Arizona State (11/16/15) against Rhode Island head coach Dan Hurley's brother, Bobby. Arizona State pulled away late to win, 83-74.
Belmont was co-champion of the 2013 Naismith Hall of Fame Tip-Off tournament thanks to victories over North Carolina, Holy Cross, and Hofstra. Rhode Island just participated in the Naismith Hall of Fame Tip-Off at Mohegan Sun Arena.
This marks Belmont's first game vs. a nationally-ranked opponent since facing [4/6] Virginia in the 2015 NCAA Tournament. The Cavaliers outlasted the Bruins, 79-67, in Charlotte, N.C. The game prior, Belmont defeated [25/24] Murray State, 88-87, in the 2015 OVC Championship. Belmont has played five teams receiving national Top 25 votes since, including Vanderbilt and Florida this season.
This marks the first meeting between Belmont and Rhode Island.
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT from the Ryan Center. The game will be broadcast on Atlantic 10 Network. The live play-by-play of Voice of the Bruins Kevin Ingram can be heard on the Bruin Sports Network.
Belmont at [23/25] Rhode Island Game Notes
