Tuesday, January 11, 2011

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - - Belmont men's basketball turned in another total team effort in defeating Jacksonville, 81-50, Monday night.

Both defenses would be strong early, as a Glenn Powell interior basket would be the lone points for the first three minutes of the game.

But junior Mick Hedgepeth (Crossville, Ala.) got the Bruins on the board with an offensive rebound basket 3:11 in, a play that sparked the team's offense.

Three points from junior Scott Saunders (New Orleans, La.) and a layin from freshman Blake Jenkins (Knoxville, Tenn.) pushed the Bruins to a 9-4 lead seven minutes in.

The momentum continued as sophomore Kerron Johnson (Huntsville, Ala.) and freshman J.J. Mann (Smyrna, Ga.) added three-point field goals to stretch the margin to 17-5 nine minutes in.

Bruin fans who braved the remnants of a winter storm that pounded the Southeast Monday would be rewarded.

Belmont limited Jacksonville to two made field goals in the first 11 minutes of the game, and turned strong halfcourt defense into offense.