Box Score
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - - Behind a season-high 25 points from junior Nick Muszynski (Pickerington, Ohio), Belmont University men's basketball defeated Kennesaw State, 64-53, Wednesday night from the Curb Event Center.
Muszynski went 11-for-17 from the field and added six rebounds and four assists as Belmont earned its third consecutive wire-to-wire victory.
A Muszynski score capped an 8-0 Belmont run to make the score 34-17 with 1:11 left in the first half.
Belmont defense stifled Kennesaw State in the halfcourt, but the Bruins could not break free as the game slowed to a plodding, tractor pull.
A 3-pointer from junior Luke Smith (Knoxville, Tenn.) extended the margin to 51-37 with 11:12 remaining.
But a rare dry spell and a trio of Kennesaw State end-of-shot-clock, desperation 3-point heaves kept Belmont from breaking free.
Kennesaw State closed within 53-47 with 4:06 left on two Spencer Rodgers free throws, but consecutive baskets from Muszynski, Smith and sophomore Ben Sheppard (Atlanta, Ga.) gave Belmont a 60-47 advantage with 2:15 remaining.
All told, Belmont shot 48 percent (25-for-52) from the field - including 6-for-16 from 3-point distance.
Belmont limited Kennesaw State to 31 percent shooting.
Smith added 14 points, four rebounds and two steals.
Rodgers led Kennesaw State (3-3) with 20 points.
The victory was Belmont's 200th win in the Curb Event Center.
The Bruins have won 18 of their last 19 games dating back to last season.
Belmont (6-1) returns to game action Friday, Dec. 18 at Tennessee State.
