Saturday, February 06, 2010

NASHVILLE, TENN. - - In a contest dripping with postseason intensity, Belmont men's basketball defeated Jacksonville Friday night, 73-70.

Last season, Belmont and Jacksonville played in the regular season finale to decide the Atlantic Sun Conference Regular Season Championship and an automatic berth to the Postseason NIT. The Dolphins overcame 38 points from Belmont point guard and 2009 Atlantic Sun Player of the Year Alex Renfroe to win in overtime.

And once again, the Bruins and Dolphins would provide one of the most entertaining and spirited games in recent memory at the Curb Event Center, with talent and effort on full display.

A frenetic, uptempo game developed early on, as both teams showed little shyness in attacking on offense. After sophomore Mick Hedgepeth (Crossville, Ala.) gave the Bruins an early 7-5 lead, Jacksonville went on a 9-0 run, capped by a deep three-pointer from Ben Smith.

The Bruins answered back within 18-16 on a trey from freshman Ian Clark (Memphis, Tenn.) and two free throws from sophomore Scott Saunders (New Orleans, La.).

But the Dolphins showcased their defense and transition game in building a 27-19 lead with 7:06 left in the half.

Following a timeout from Rick Byrd, the Bruins appeared to elevate their level of play and match the Dolphins' purpose and physicality.

One Lehmon Colbert free throw put the Dolphins ahead 31-24 with 4:15 left in the half. Yet behind the emotional play of freshman Kerron Johnson (Huntsville, Ala.) and more solid interior play from Hedgepeth and Saunders, the Bruins closed the half on a 10-0 run in taking a 34-31 lead to the locker room.

It was a strange half statistically, as Belmont shot just 43 percent (13-for-30) from the floor - including 2-for-12 from three-point distance - and committed 10 turnovers, yet led.

The Bruins limited Jacksonville to 38 percent shooting in the opening 20 minutes and forced 11 Dolphin turnovers.