Box Score NASHVILLE, Tenn. - - In arguably its most complete performance of the season, Belmont University men's basketball defeated Tennessee State, 93-76, Saturday night.
The Tigers feature an experienced and talented team that ranks among the national leaders in offensive rebounding and 2-point field goal percentage defense.
In last season's meeting at the Gentry Center - just days after Belmont clinched its eighth regular season conference championship in 11 years - the Bruins were unable to find their rhythm.
On this evening, however, Belmont was sharp and consistent, playing in unison for 40 minutes.
Early 3-pointers from seniors Nick Smith (Bentonville, Ark.) and Taylor Barnette (Lexington, Ky.) got Belmont going offensively.
After both teams were mired in a four-minute scoring drought, junior Austin Luke (Rowlett, Texas) scored a driving layin to give the Bruins an 11-7 lead.
After an alley oop slam from sophomore Dylan Windler (Indianapolis, Ind.), Tennessee State took a brief 16-15 lead on a jumper from Darreon Reddick.
But another 3-pointer from Smith and an assertive drive from junior Burton Sampson (Knoxville, Tenn.) put Belmont back ahead, 20-17, at the 7:02 mark.
Four points from senior Evan Bradds (Jamestown, Ohio) and Smith's third trey of the half increased the margin to eight, 29-21.
The final moments of the first half would prove key, as Belmont went on an 8-2 run over the final 1:14.
Two Luke 3-pointers pushed the lead to nine, before a Windler steal and slam sent Belmont to the locker room up 11, 39-28.
Belmont shot 58 percent (14-for-24) from the field in the opening 20 minutes - including 6-for-12 from 3-point distance. The Bruins held Tennessee State to 33 percent shooting and forced six turnovers.
The Bruins remained focused to start the second half, but some unfortunate misses on clean looks opened the door slightly for the host Tigers.
Tennessee State closed within 39-34 with 18:05 remaining on a Christian Mekowulu dunk.
But timely 3-pointers from senior Amanze Egekeze (Lake in the Hills, Ill.) and Barnette stretched the lead back to 10, 45-35.
From there, 3-pointers from Luke and Smith, and a layin from Windler made the score 55-40 with 14:37 left.
A basket from Armani Chaney closed the margin to 60-51 with 11:22 to go, before Windler capped a 9-0 Bruin response.
Bradds was efficient from the field and free throw line, as a 3-pointer from Barnette made the score 80-55 with 6:54 left.
But Luke was the story, leading the Bruin effort on both ends of the floor with decisive play.
All told, Belmont shot 61 percent (30-for-49) from the field - including 64 percent in the second half.
Bradds led five Bruins in double figures with 20 points. Luke had 18 points, five rebounds, nine assists and only one turnover. Smith and Barnette each had 15. Windler scored 10.
Tahjere McCall led Tennessee State (13-9, 4-5 OVC) with 22 points.
Belmont (15-4, 9-0) returns to game action Monday, Jan. 30 vs. SIU Edwardsville. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. CT from the Curb Event Center. The game will be broadcast on CBS Sports 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.
NOTES: Belmont has won 11 straight games and 14 of its last 15 ... Belmont has won an NCAA-best eight straight road games ... Bradds has 168 points and 57 rebounds over his last seven games ... With 20 points, Bradds passed Craig Bradshaw ('16) for fourth place on the Bruins' NCAA Division I era scoring list ... Bradds has 1,717 career points, 44 points shy of Justin Hare ('08) for third ... Nine Bruins scored ... Barnette has 50 points over his last three games ... Sampson scored for the third time in four games ... Three of Windler's four baskets were dunks.
