ORLANDO, Fla. - - Behind strong team defense and balanced scoring, Belmont University men's basketball defeated Boston University, 64-48, Friday night in the first round of the UCF Holiday Tournament.
The Bruins, looking to build off of impressive home victories over Middle Tennessee and South Dakota State leading into the Christmas holiday, faced yet another confident and defensive-minded mid-major stalwart in the Terriers.
Five early points from senior Ian Clark (Memphis, Tenn.) gave the Bruins a 8-5 lead five minutes in. With passes and shots contested at every turn, consecutive three-pointers from senior Trevor Noack (Keller, Texas) pushed Belmont to an 18-15 edge midway through the first half.
After Nathan Dieudonne trimmed the margin to 22-20, Belmont intensified its defensive pressure and sharpened its offensive execution to close the half on an 18-4 run.
Junior J.J. Mann (Smyrna. Ga.) supplied two three-pointers and Clark produced two jaw-dropping drives during the run as Belmont took a 40-24 lead at halftime.
Belmont shot 46 percent (15-for-33) from the field in the opening 20 minutes - including 6-for-16 from three-point distance. The Bruins limited the Terriers to 38 percent shooting while forcing 11 turnovers.
But just as the Bruins appeared poised to seize control, Boston University offered a stern reply and fought back into the game.
A deep three-pointer for Dom Morris capped a 7-0 Terrier run in the first 1:51 of the second half to close the margin to 40-31.
Three free throws and a basket from junior Blake Jenkins (Knoxville, Tenn.) increased the Bruin lead to 47-34 with 13:29 left, but Boston U. pushed onward.
With Belmont?missed opportunities?mounting, back-to-back baskets from Malik Thomas got the Terriers within 53-48 with 6:49 remaining.
But the experienced Bruins held Boston U. without a made field goal thereafter, closing in impressive fashion in all facets. A gorgeous baseline feed from senior Kerron Johnson (Huntsville, Ala.) set up Jenkins for a dramatic slam dunk to push the advantage back to seven.
Jenkins then added a conventional three-point play moments later to give the Bruins a 58-48 lead with 5:31 to go.
A string of defensive stops and two determined driving layins from Johnson enabled Belmont to secure the victory.
All told, Belmont shot 42 percent (25-for-59) from the field, outrebounding Boston U., 40-30. The Bruins limited the Terriers to 34 percent shooting, and 4-for-20 from behind the arc.
Clark and Jenkins paced four Bruins in double figures with 15 points each. Johnson had 12 points and six assists, while Noack recorded his first career double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Maurice Watson led Boston University (5-7) with 11 points.
Belmont (9-3) returns to action Saturday against host UCF in the championship game of the UCF Holiday Tournament. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. CT.
The live play-by-play of Voice of the Bruins Kevin Ingram can be heard on the Bruin Sports Network. Live video streaming will be available via UCF All-Access (subscription rates may apply). Live updates will be available on Twitter @BelmontMBB.
NOTES: Belmont records its fifth victory away from home this season ... The Bruins got timely bench contributions from Chad Lang, Reece Chamberlain, and Craig Bradshaw.
Source: http://www.bbstate.com/news/620865
best super bowl ads chrysler super bowl commercial madonna half time show fiat 500 abarth madonna halftime m i a mia super bowl
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.