NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Belmont Bruins secured a gritty victory over the Bradley Braves at the Curb Event Center, with a final score of 69-61. This win improved Belmont's record to 6-6 for the season, while Bradley dropped to the same record, 6-6.
A Second-Half Turnaround
After a challenging start that saw Bradley trail 25-6 in the first quarter, the Braves roared back in the second half. Fueled by aggressive play and efficient shooting, Bradley outscored Belmont 22-13 in the third quarter, cutting into what had been a 22-point halftime deficit. Their grit and determination kept the game competitive until the final moments.
Key Players
-
Soleil Barnes was the standout performer, scoring 22 points and grabbing 6 rebounds.
-
Claire McDougall contributed 11 points, going 6-of-7 from the free-throw line, and added 9 rebounds.
-
Carlie Vick provided 7 points and 5 rebounds off the bench.
Bright Spots on Defense and Depth
Bradley's defense tightened in the second half, holding Belmont to just 35.7% shooting in the third quarter. The Braves also showed the strength of their roster, with bench players contributing 25 points and providing critical minutes to sustain their comeback.
Takeaways
While the early deficit was a challenge, Bradley's ability to adjust, fight back, and nearly erase Belmont's sizable lead is a testament to their resolve and potential. The Braves excelled in second-half execution, particularly in transition play and free-throw shooting, where they converted 12-of-13 in the third quarter alone.
Looking Ahead
Bradley looks to regroup as they continue their non-conference schedule, with their next game slated for Thursday, Jan. 3 at 6 pm.