NASHVILLE, Tenn. - - Belmont University men's basketball returns to game action Thursday vs. Jacksonville State.
Belmont defeated Eastern Kentucky, 72-59, Jan. 14. Senior Evan Bradds (Jamestown, Ohio) had a game-high 22 points for the Bruins.
Senior Taylor Barnette (Lexington, Ky.) went 5-for-7 from 3-point distance in last year's home victory over Jacksonville State.
Belmont's victory at Jacksonville State in 2014 helped the Bruins secure a fifth consecutive regular season conference championship, and second straight in the OVC (2013, 2014).
Belmont shot a Curb Event Center record 17-for-24 (.708) from 3-point distance in defeating Jacksonville State, 103-82, (1/29/15).
Belmont has several ties to the state of Alabama. Belmont assistant coach James Strong and 2013 OVC Tournament MVP Kerron Johnson are natives of Huntsville. Former Bruin Drew Windler ('14) attended Samford University for three seasons. Assistant coach Mark Price is a graduate of Samford University and coached at Faulkner and UAH. Former Bruin Mick Hedgepeth ('12) is a native of Crossville.
Belmont and Jacksonville State met five times as Atlantic Sun Conference members from 2000-03.
Belmont faced Jacksonville State head coach Ray Harper each of the past two seasons in his capacity as head coach at Western Kentucky.
This marks the 14th meeting between Belmont and Jacksonville State.
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. CT from the Curb Event Center. 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. In-game updates will be available via Twitter @BelmontMBB.
Jacksonville State at Belmont Game Notes