Box Score
JACKSONVILLE, Ala. - - Behind a career-high 22 points from sophomore Ben Sheppard (Atlanta, Ga.), Belmont University men's basketball defeated Jacksonville State, 98-91, Saturday.
The Bruins dug deep and played inspirational team basketball to earn their 20th consecutive conference victory.
Many expected a methodical, halfcourt affair featuring two of the top defensive teams in the Ohio Valley Conference.
Instead, a highly-entertaining, end-to-end offensive showcase ensued.
Jacksonville State made eight of its first 11 shots - including five 3-point field goals - in claiming an early 23-12 lead.
Belmont rode the hot shooting of junior Luke Smith (Knoxville, Tenn.) to respond, as his fourth 3-pointer gave the Bruins a 34-30 lead with 4:59 left in the first half.
Jacksonville State took a 45-40 lead on a Darian Adams basket inside the final minute of the first half - and appeared poised for more on a steal from Jalen Finch. But the guard's uncontested breakaway layin attempt rimmed off.
Belmont gathered the rebound and answered with a deep, contested 3-pointer from junior Grayson Murphy (Franklin, Tenn.) to close within 45-43 at halftime.
Eight Bruins scored in the opening 20 minutes.
Jacksonville State, which entered the game shooting 29 percent from 3-point distance in OVC play, went 9-of-15 from long distance in the first half.
The offensive display carried into the second half as both teams demonstrated efficiency inside and outside.
Jacksonville State reserve post player Martin Roub would find the range early in the second half, helping the Gamecocks extend to a 56-48 lead.
But Sheppard carried Belmont during a stretch in the second half, as his dazzling 3-point shooting and all-court game stabilized the Bruins and provided new life.
Not to be outdone, junior Nick Muszynski (Pickerington, Ohio) produced back-to-back, conventional 3-point plays to get Belmont within 66-63 at the 12:31 mark.
Consecutive 3-pointers from freshman JaCobi Wood (Cleveland, Tenn.) and junior Tate Pierson (Brentwood, Tenn.) gave Belmont a 73-70 lead with 9:14 remaining.
Despite reduced fan attendance, a palpable energy was in the building, and as each possession took on added significance, both teams continued to make plays.
A tough, driving basket from Adams and a Roub floater gave Jacksonville State an 81-80 lead with 4:54 left.
Wood responded with a wing 3-pointer to put Belmont on top to stay.
It sparked a decisive 9-0 run, highlighted by an acrobatic Murphy tip-in and another determined Wood drive, which made the score 89-81 with 1:30 left.
Belmont went 9-of-10 from the free throw line in the final 46 seconds to secure the victory.
All told, Belmont shot 49 percent (32-of-65) from the field - including 14-of-34 from 3-point distance.
Sheppard led five Bruins in double figures. Muszynski delivered 18 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.
Smith had 18 points and a season-high eight assists, Wood had 15 and Murphy 10 points, six rebounds and six assists.
Roub led Jacksonville State (8-5, 4-3 OVC) with 21 points.
Belmont has won 26 of its last 27 games.
Belmont (14-1, 8-0 OVC) returns to game action Thursday, Jan. 21 vs. Eastern Illinois.
Belmont University men's basketball has earned postseason invitations 14 of the last 15 seasons, including nine berths to the NCAA Tournament. The Bruins have won 19 conference championships since 2006 - third-most nationally over that span (Gonzaga, Kansas). Belmont is one of only six NCAA Division I programs outside the Power 5 to post Top 100 rankings 10 consecutive seasons (BYU, Gonzaga, Saint Mary's (CA), San Diego State, Wichita State). Belmont is one of only six NCAA Division I programs to win 19 or more games 15 consecutive seasons (Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas, Michigan State, San Diego State). Belmont University men's basketball boasts an NCAA-leading 17 CoSIDA Academic All-America selections since 2001 and is the only NCAA Division I program to make the NCAA Academic Progress Rate (APR) Honor Roll every year of existence
