Box Score
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. - - Behind 19 points from sophomore Nick Muszynski (Pickerington, Ohio), Belmont University men's basketball defeated Tennessee Tech, 92-84, Thursday night.
The Bruins used strong defense and rebounding to build a working margin midway through the first half.
A short jumper from freshman Mitch Listau (Waunakee, Wis.) started a 34-12 stretch over the final 10:30 of the first half as Belmont led 46-25 at halftime.
A 3-pointer from sophomore Caleb Hollander (Nashville, Tenn.) increased the lead to 60-36 with 14:40 remaining.
Belmont halted a Tennessee Tech run behind the extra effort of senior Seth Adelsperger (Peru, Ind.), whose offensive rebound and assist to junior Nick Hopkins (Fayetteville, Tenn.) for a straight-on 3-pointer gave the Bruins a 76-60 lead with 7:08 left.
And while Belmont continued to play through Muszynski, Tennessee Tech got production from Jr. Clay and Hunter Vick to get within single figures in the final minute.
All told, Belmont shot 48 percent (30-for-63) from the field, including 11-for-32 from 3-point distance.
Belmont, the nation's top assist team, handed out 24 assists on 30 made field goals, and scored 23 points off 14 Tennessee Tech turnovers.
Muszynski led six players in double figures, adding four assists.
Graduate student Tyler Scanlon (Centreville, Va.) had 15 points, while Kunkel added 13.
Hollander scored 12 and senior Michael Benkert (Greenwood, Ind.) had 11.
Hopkins added 10 points and three steals.
Vick led Tennessee Tech (5-17, 2-7 OVC) with 21 points.
Belmont (15-7, 6-3 OVC) returns to game action Saturday at Jacksonville State.
