SUNDAY'S SCORES
Belmont 63, @Tennessee State 55
BELMONT 63, TENNESSEE STATE 55
NASHVILLE - Belmont University men's basketball shook off a disjointed start to defeat Tennessee State, 63-55, Sunday night.
More uncharacteristic offensive inefficiency coupled with a strong start from Tennessee State senior Jay Harris gave the host Tigers an early 25-10 lead.
But behind strong bench play from sophomore Nick Smith and freshman Burton Sampson enabled Belmont to get within 30-28 at halftime.
The Tigers scored the first four points of the second half before freshman Mack Mercer sparked a big Bruin run that gave Belmont a 59-42 lead with six minutes left.
After shooting well from the charity stripe for much of the game, Belmont missed seven of its final 10 free throws. But the team was able to secure the conference road win.
The Bruins have won 11 of the last 12 meetings with Tennessee State.
Smith led Belmont with 12 points, while sophomore Evan Bradds added nine points and a career-high 14 rebounds.
Belmont is 13-7, 5-2 OVC. 55