WRIGHT STATE 79, BELMONT 71
NASHVILLE - Belmont University men's basketball dropped a 79-71 decision to Wright State Thursday night.

The Bruins (7-3), playing without OVC leading scorer Craig Bradshaw and Virginia transfer Taylor Barnette, delivered a courageous effort short-handed, leading virtually the entire way.

Two free throws from Amanze Egekeze gave Belmont a 27-18 lead late in the first half.

Wright State caught fire, trimming the margin to within one, before reserve guard Jeff Laidig sank an 80-footer heave just before the halftime buzzer to give Belmont a 36-32 lead at the break.

But the visiting Raiders simply had an answer at every turn, not allowing Belmont to break free.

A baseline three-pointer from Steven Davis gave Wright State a 68-66 lead with 4:46 left.

Spencer Turner would tie the score at 69-69 with 2:54 to go, but a steal and score from Joe Thomasson and a deep, contested three-pointer from J.T. Yoho gave Wright State a five-point edge with 1:24 left.

Wright State shot 63 percent in the second half, and 10-for-15 from three-point distance for the game.

Turner scored a career-high 23 points.

Belmont which had won 59 of its last 61 home games over the last four-plus seasons, drops consecutive home games for the first time since Dec. 2009.