Box Score NASHVILLE, Tenn. - - Behind double-doubles from sophomores Nick Muszynski (Pickerington, Ohio) and Grayson Murphy (Franklin, Tenn.), Belmont University men's basketball defeated Morehead State, 77-59, Saturday from the Curb Event Center.
Muszynski had a game-high 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Murphy added 10 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists as Belmont limited Morehead State to three field goals the final 10:21 of the game.
The Bruins raced out to leads of 10-1 and 17-7 before Morehead State worked back into the game behind the play of James Baker.
In a game that featured seven ties and four lead changes, Belmont got timely bench production from sophomore Tate Pierson (Brentwood, Tenn.), whose 3-pointer off Murphy's offensive rebound made the score 46-39 with 13:43 left.
But after Morehead State tied the game at 49 on a Djimon Henson basket, Belmont methodically built a working margin behind strong defense and Muszynski.
Consecutive 3-pointers from sophomore Adam Kunkel (Hebron, Ky.) and junior Nick Hopkins (Fayetteville, Tenn.) made the score 61-51 with 5:29 remaining.
Graduate student Tyler Scanlon (Centreville, Va.) had a hand in 10 of Belmont's final 16 points to secure the victory.
Belmont shot 44 percent (29-for-66) from the field - including 10-for-31 from 3-point distance.
The Bruins outrebounded Morehead State, 45-34.
Kunkel had 16 points, while Scanlon added 12.
Baker led Morehead State (9-10, 3-3 OVC) with 16 points.
Belmont (14-5, 5-1 OVC) returns to game action Thursday, Jan. 23 at Murray State.
