Box Score MALIBU, Calif. - - Belmont University men's basketball rode a near flawless start to defeat Pepperdine, 85-77, Saturday night.
Following Tuesday night's emotional victory over Lipscomb, the Bruins carried that momentum onto the practice floor this week - and into the game along the breathtaking Pacific coast.
Belmont had endured sluggish starts in its opening five games - trailing by double figures in each. But at Firestone Fieldhouse, the Bruins were indeed, on fire.
Led by senior Taylor Barnette (Lexington, Ky.), the Bruins made their first six 3-point field goals in racing out to a 20-5 lead five minutes in.
After the Waves made the score 22-10, baskets from freshman Michael Benkert (Greenwood, Ind.), sophomore Kevin McClain (Jennings, Fla.), junior Austin Luke (Rowlett, Texas), and senior Evan Bradds (Jamestown, Ohio) stretched the lead to 33-10 at the 9:21 mark.
The Bruins' blazing offensive start caught everyone's attention, but it was Belmont's active and persistent defense that quietly dictated the terms.
Belmont scored 17 first half points off seven Pepperdine turnovers, with Barnette and sophomore Dylan Windler (Indianapolis, Ind.) leading the way.
Behind the play of Lamond Murray, Jr. and Jeremy Major, Pepperdine closed on a 9-3 run to get within 47-34 at halftime.
Belmont shot 55 percent (18-for-33) from the field - including 9-for-18 from 3-point distance.
Barnette led Belmont with 14 first half points.
Luke buried a 3-pointer to open second half scoring, but the Waves methodically inched closer. Major made the score 52-42 with 17:45 left.
Then after Barnette picked up his third personal foul, McClain provided a lift off the bench with two driving baskets to halt Pepperdine momentum momentarily.
But three more mid-range jumpers from Murray got Pepperdine within 61-55 with 10:34 remaining.
However, Bradds sparked an 11-3 run with twisting drives and strong finishes to push the lead back to 14, 72-58, with 7:33 to go.
Barnette and senior Nick Smith (Bentonville, Ark.) would tack on timely 3-pointers to give the Bruins an 82-66 advantage with 4:27 left.
Though Belmont would be limited to three free throws thereafter, the Bruins managed the game and closed out the road victory.
All told, Belmont shot 52 percent (33-for-64) from the field - including 13-for-31 from 3-point distance.
Bradds scored a game-high 24 points, adding 11 rebounds and five assists.
Barnette scored a season-high 20, while Luke had 14.
Major and Murray each scored 21 for Pepperdine (4-4).
Belmont (3-3) returns to game action Tuesday, Dec. 6 at Lipscomb. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3 and WatchESPN. The live play-by-play can be heard on the Bruin Sports Network. In-game updates will be available on Twitter @BelmontMBB.
NOTES: Belmont made six threes in the opening five minutes and eight in the opening 11 minutes ... Bradds delivered his second straight game of at least 24 points, nine rebounds, and five assists ... Egekeze celebrated his 21st birthday ... Belmont had plenty of support; aside from players' family, former SWA Lauren Eads and former Bruins Jason Sonn and Drew Hanlen were among those on hand ... Belmont outscored Pepperdine, 15-11 off the bench ... Windler and Egekeze each had second half slam dunks with feeling ... Belmont led from start to finish.
