Evan Bradds and Jon Scheyer postgame https://t.co/3YwxBJwMw1

— Belmont Basketball (@BelmontMBB) October 9, 2026

DURHAM, N.C. - - Belmont University men's basketball dropped a 102-62 decision at second-ranked Duke Thursday night from Cameron Indoor Stadium in an exhibition game.
 
While the game served as a reunion of sorts for Belmont head coach Evan Bradds – who worked as a member of Jon Scheyer's coaching staff at Duke last season – it also served as the next chapter for two tradition-rich programs.
 
Belmont won the Missouri Valley Conference regular season championship last season but were welcoming nine newcomers. Meanwhile, Duke was looking to defending its Atlantic Coast Conference championship after losing National Player of the Year Cameron Boozer – who interestingly Bradds worked with closely during his time on the Duke staff.
 
Belmont got early scores from Ethan Sage, Vincent Neugebauer, and Jack Smiley to lead during the first media timeout.
 
Behind freshman sensation Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje, Duke extended the margin to double figures midway through the first half.
 
From there, Belmont got strong bench contributions from Kayden Fish and Matthew Zobrist and used physical defense to be well-positioned late in the first half.
 
But after the Blue Devils earned their way to the free throw line – taking the game's first 11 free throws – John Blackwell fueled a lightning-quick 10-0 run in the final minute of the first half, highlighted by his steal and baseline 3-pointer at the horn.
 
Zobrist and Jack Smiley got Belmont off well in the second 20 minutes, as back-to-back skywalker dunks from Bez Jenkins had the Bruins matching Duke blow for blow deep into the second half.
 
Duke earned its way into the bonus with 15:55 left in regulation, and showcased its depth and defensive length throughout the game. Sebastian Wilkins, Bryson Howard, and Deron Rippey had strong plays down the stretch.
 
Nine different Bruins scored, led by Zobrist's 11 points.
 
Boumtje Boumtje and Dame Sarr led Duke with 19 points each.
 
While an exhibition, this marked the third meeting between Belmont and Duke.
 
The two previous meetings – between hall of fame coaches Rick Byrd and Mike Krzyzewski – were each decided by one point in Duke's favor; the 2008 NCAA Tournament in Washington, D.C., and the 2011-12 season opener at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
 
Belmont opens the regular season Nov. 2 vs. Southern Indiana.
 
Belmont season tickets – which include the entire men's and women's basketball home schedule – are on sale now at belmontbruins.com/tickets. 
 
To become a Bruin Club member, contact Russell Grimm at (615) 460-5668 or russell.grimm@belmont.edu.
 
Belmont University men's basketball has been a postseason fixture for the last two decades, including nine berths to the NCAA Tournament. The Bruins have won 21 conference championships since 2006 - third-most nationally over that span (behind Gonzaga and Kansas). Belmont has won 20 or more games in 16 consecutive seasons (alongside Gonzaga and Kansas) and 19 or more games in 21 consecutive seasons (alongside Gonzaga, Kansas, and San Diego State). Belmont is among select programs with two or more first-round selections in the NBA Draft over the last six years (Ben Sheppard, Dylan Windler). Belmont University men's basketball boasts an NCAA-leading 20 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 its existence. Belmont is the only NCAA Division I institution in America whose men's and women's basketball programs have won 20 or more games in 11 consecutive seasons.
 
How to Follow
Follow Belmont men's basketball on social media - @BelmontMBB on X, formerly Twitter and @belmont_mbb on Instagram - for complete coverage of the Bruins. Stay up to date with all of Belmont's athletic programs via the official app of the Belmont Bruins, available both in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.
 

#ItsBruinTime