Thursday, February 12, 2009

MACON, Ga. - In a week of rivalry games, the CSS A-Sun Game of the Week turns its attention to the league's longest-standing rivalry when Belmont and Lipscomb partake in the 124th edition of the Battle of the Boulevard from Lipscomb's Allen Arena at 7:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. locally.

Belmont won the first meeting, a 79-74 on its home court last month. Lipscomb has won three of the last four meetings held in Allen Arena. Belmont’s lone victory during that span came last year with the Bruins held on for a 99-91 victory in double overtime.

Overtime has been a constant theme since series was renewed in 2004 as five of the 12 games have gone to overtime. No series in the country has featured more overtime games during that time frame than the Belmont-Lipscomb rivalry.

Since joining the A-Sun, the Bisons have experienced the most, relative, success against the Bruins, picking up four wins and posted the best 3-point defense against the prolific-shooting Bruins. They have limited the Bruins to shoot only 31.2 percent from the 3-point arc over the last six seasons and Belmont has made, on average, only 7.2 3-point field goals against Lipscomb. Both marks are the best among A-Sun schools against the three-time defending champions.

Matt Stewart and Sonny Smith will be on the call. For those outside of CSS markets, the game can also be seen on ASun.TV.