SUNDAY'S SCORES
@Georgia Tech 71,
Belmont 57 (NIT)
GEORGIA TECH 71, BELMONT 57
ATLANTA - Belmont University men's basketball endured a difficult second half in dropping a 71-57 decision at Georgia Tech Sunday afternoon in the second round of the 2017 Postseason NIT.
After burying 14 3-point field goals Wednesday in victory at Georgia, the Bruins simply could not find the range against the Yellow Jackets - who entered play No. 4 nationally in defensive efficiency.
Belmont (23-7) rebounded from an early 19-10 deficit, seizing a 26-25 lead with 1:36 left in the first half on a 3-pointer from senior Nick Smith. But baskets from Tadric Jackson and Quinton Stephens gave Georgia Tech a 30-26 lead at halftime. Belmont shot 30 percent (10-for-33) from the field in the opening 20 minutes - including 5-for-19 from 3-point distance.
The lid on the Bruin basket would not be lifted to open the second half, as Belmont made one field in the first 6:10 after halftime. A string of missed open 3-pointers seemed to wear on the Bruins, as empty possessions led to open court opportunities for the Ramblin' Wreck. Quinton Stephens' jumper capped the Georgia Tech burst and made the score 54-31 with 11:17 remaining.
Belmont shot a season-low 33 percent from the field - including 11-for-33 from 3-point distance.
Smith led three Bruins in double figures with 14 points. Senior Evan Bradds and junior Amanze Egekeze each scored 10.
Stephens led Georgia Tech (19-15) with 23 points.
With 10 points, Bradds passed Ian Clark for Belmont's NCAA Division I career scoring mark, finishing his decorated Belmont career with 1,921 points. Bradds also ended his career with a 66.7 career field goal percentage which ranks fourth all-time in NCAA Division I history.