Box Score
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - - In a game worthy of March Madness, Belmont University men's basketball defeated Furman, 95-89, in overtime Monday night from the Curb Event Center.
Two of the nation's top programs outside of Power 5 conferences did not disappoint in one of the most eagerly-anticipated games in recent memory.
The Bruins and Paladins, known for efficient offense and mental toughness put that and more on display in a game characterized by inspired shotmaking and huge momentum swings.
Furman, coming off of victory at Louisville Friday, led 32-25 before Belmont held the visitors scoreless the final 6:36 of the first half.
JaCobi Wood sparked an 11-0 run as Belmont led 36-32 at halftime.
Belmont extended to a 44-39 lead on a Grayson Murphy steal and score before Furman answered with a 12-0 run of its own behind the play of Jalen Slawson.
In fact, Slawson saved no fewer than five Belmont baskets with acrobatic blocked shots in transition defense.
After Wood tied the score at 62, Mike Bothwell capped a 7-0 run to give Furman a 69-62 lead with 5:11 remaining.
Each team delivered offensive haymakers down the stretch, with Will Richard and Murphy answered by Bothwell and Alex Hunter.
Hunter's deep, contested 3-pointer at the end of the shot clock gave Furman a 76-70 lead with 2:07 left.
Luke Smith replied with a 3-pointer of his own following a key offensive rebound from Ben Sheppard.
After a defensive stop and a Will Richard putback got Belmont within one, Bothwell made two free throws with 13 seconds left to give Furman a 78-75 lead.
Setting up a final possession, Murphy ran a dribble exchange play with Smith on the right wing.
Smith elevated for a game-tying 3-pointer and was fouled by Bothwell with 7.8 seconds remaining. The shot nearly went in for a potential 4-point play opportunity.
Smith sank three consecutive free throws to tie the score at 78.
Following a timeout, Bothwell would drive the length of the court and have a shot attempt blocked by Murphy with 1.3 seconds remaining.
Furman's final shot from Bothwell along the baseline was contested and grazed the backboard as the horn sounded.
A Smith 3-pointer and one Nick Muszynski free throw gave Belmont an 82-78 lead with 4:04 left in overtime.
Smith and Conley Garrison exchanged 3-pointers before a determined Muszynski offensive rebound basket pushed the margin to four, 87-83 with 2:21 left in overtime.
Alex Hunter got Furman within one on another 3-pointer before Sheppard and Murphy scored baskets to give Belmont a 91-86 lead with 46 seconds remaining in overtime.
Belmont made four consecutive free throws in the final 28 seconds to secure the victory.
All told, Belmont shot 50 percent (35-of-70) from the field - including 10-of-26 from 3-point distance.
Smith led six Bruins in double figures with 20 points, 18 coming in the second half and overtime.
Murphy, who went over 1,000 career points in the victory, had 17 points, five rebounds, five assists and seven steals. Muszynski had 17 points, 12 rebounds and three blocked shots.
Wood and Richard each scored 13.
Sheppard had 10.
Bothwell led Furman (2-1) with 23 points.
Belmont (2-1) returns to game action Friday at Kennesaw State.
