Box Score NASHVILLE, Tenn. - - Behind 24 points from Nick Muszynski, Belmont University men's basketball defeated Tennessee State, 88-61, Thursday.
Muszynski went 9-of-10 from the field - including two 3-pointers - and added four assists as Belmont won for the eighth consecutive time in the series.
Muszynski found Ben Sheppard for a baseline slam to cap a 10-0 run as Belmont led 14-7 six minutes in.
The Bruins showcased remarkable teamwork and togetherness on defense; making multiple efforts each possession to take Tennessee State out of any offensive rhythm.
Consecutive 3-pointers from Luke Smith and JaCobi Wood gave Belmont a 30-14 lead with 9:18 left in the first half.
Wood, Tate Pierson and Even Brauns made significant contributions off the bench.
A Smith fadeaway jumper in the lane and two Wood free throws gave Belmont a 41-24 lead at halftime.
Belmont shot 53 percent (16-of-30) from the field in the opening 20 minutes - including six 3-point field goals.
Belmont forced 11 first-half turnovers.
3-pointers from Will Richard and Muszynski continued positive momentum into the second half.
Michael Shanks highlighted another 10-0 Belmont run to make the score 57-29 with 15:13 remaining.
Following more efficient scoring from Muszynski, four Wood points gave Belmont a 65-35 lead with 12:27 left.
Belmont shot 59 percent (33-of-56) from the field.
The Bruins, entering play leading the nation in total assists, handed out 21 assists on 33 made field goals.
Wood scored 17 points while Sheppard had 15 points and seven rebounds.
Grayson Murphy had six assists and six steals.
Shakem Johnson led Tennessee State (9-14, 4-7 OVC) with 11 points.
Belmont (18-5, 8-2 OVC) returns to game action Saturday at Tennessee Tech.
Belmont University men's basketball has earned postseason invitations 14 of the last 16 seasons, including nine berths to the NCAA Tournament. The Bruins have won 20 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 11 consecutive seasons (BYU, Gonzaga, Saint Mary's (CA), San Diego State, Wichita State). Belmont is one of only four NCAA Division I programs to win 19 or more games 16 consecutive seasons (Gonzaga, Kansas, San Diego State). Belmont University men's basketball boasts an NCAA-leading 18 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
