Friday, January 28, 2011

MACON, Ga. - Belmont, off a loss at Lipscomb, faces FGCU, off a triple-overtime win at Stetson, square off from the Curb Event Center in the Atlantic Sun/CSS Game of the Week at 6 p.m. CT

Last January, FGCU won at the Curb Event for the first time in program history thanks to stifling defense that limited Belmont to shoot less than 34 percent from the floor and forced 20 turnovers. Since that home loss to FGCU, the Bruins have rattled off 16 wins in their 17 at home, many by double digits. In fact, they have only three wins by 10 points or less in the span.

FGCU enters tonight’s game off a historic, triple-overtime win at Stetson. In addition to being the longest game in school history and setting a school Division-I, single-game scoring record, the game ranked as one of the highest scoring contests of the year across the country.

FGCU’s 111 points were the most points in a game by an A-Sun team vs any team Lipscomb defeated Oakland City 121-54 on Nov. 15, 2008 and were the most points in a game by an A-Sun team (against a Division I team) since ETSU defeated Mercer 112-89 on Feb 24, 2007

Belmont’s bench has made more 3-point field goals (103) than 66 Division I teams including four A-Sun teams (FGCU, Stetson, Campbell and Jacksonville) plus national teams such as Virginia Tech (100), California (99), North Carolina (98), Maryland (93), Georgia (92), Oklahoma State (88), and St. John’s (77).

Dating back to Belmont’s home finale last year against Kennesaw State, the Bruins have played seven home contests against league foes. They have won every game by at least 22 points.

Matt Stewart and former ETSU head coach Sonny Smith will handle the broadcast. For those outside the CSS markets, catch all the action on ESPN3.com or on ESPN Full Court.