Box Score WASHINGTON - - Behind 18 points from junior Luke Smith (Knoxville, Tenn.), Belmont University men's basketball defeated Queens (NC), 73-61, Saturday to win the DC Paradise Jam championship.
After victories over Howard and George Mason, Belmont's reward was no trip to paradise, more like a trip to the dentist.
The physical and formidable No. 10-ranked NCAA Division II program nearly opened 2-0 themselves, featuring a mix of strong guard play and depth led by Kenny Dye.
Nevertheless, the Bruins overcame frigid outside shooting and foul trouble for junior Nick Muszynski (Pickerington, Ohio) to methodically pull away in the second half.
"It was a good trip for our players, we needed anything that resembled a game, our guys love to compete," said Belmont head coach Casey Alexander. "It wasn't always pretty and give Queens (NC) plenty of credit, that is a winning program that has an identity. We'll only get better from experiences such as this. Happy for the guys; we have the hardware to prove it."
After Queens (NC) led 15-6, Belmont limited the Royals to one made field goal over a nearly 10 minute stretch, riding the post scoring of freshman Even Brauns (Iowa City, Iowa) in building a 35-20 lead.
Belmont led 37-29 at halftime.
Queens (NC) opened the second half on a 14-4 run to retake a 43-41 lead on two free throws from Malcolm Stevenson.
Sparked by a driving layin from junior Grayson Murphy (Franklin, Tenn.), back-to-back 3-pointers from Smith and freshman JaCobi Wood (Cleveland, Tenn.) highlighted a 10-0 Belmont run to push the Bruins back ahead by eight.
Seven quick points from junior Caleb Hollander (Nashville, Tenn.) increased the margin to 14, 68-54, with 2:51 left.
Belmont limited Queens (NC) to 31 percent shooting while forcing 13 turnovers.
Smith led three Bruins in double figures with 18 points, while Wood had 15 and Muszynski 12.
Hollander grabbed a career-high 13 rebounds.
Murphy nearly recorded his third consecutive double-double with nine points, 11 rebounds and five assists.
Stevenson led Queens (NC) with 19 points.
Belmont has won 15 consecutive games.
Belmont (3-0) returns to game action Wednesday, Dec. 2 at Tennessee State. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. CT.
