Belmont's strong second-half performance propelled them to a 78-76 victory over Drake at the Knapp Center. The Bruins, who trailed by 19 points at halftime, outscored the Bulldogs 53-32 in the final 20 minutes to secure the win. Tyler Lundblade led the charge for Belmont, finishing with 15 points and 5 rebounds, while Eli Shetlar paced Drake with 26 points.
The first half belonged to Drake, as they built a commanding 44-25 lead behind Shetlar's 14 points. The Bulldogs' offense was clicking, with Owen Larson adding 10 points and Isaiah Carr chipping in 7 points and 4 rebounds. However, Belmont regrouped at halftime and came out with renewed energy in the second half. The Bruins' defense stiffened, holding Drake to just 32 points, while their offense exploded for 53 points.
Belmont's second-half surge was fueled by a balanced attack, with Eoin Dillon and Sam Orme joining Lundblade in double figures. The Bruins' ability to score from both inside and outside proved too much for Drake to handle, as they slowly chipped away at the deficit. With just over a minute remaining, Belmont took their first lead of the game, and they managed to hold off a late Drake surge to emerge victorious.
Despite the loss, Drake's Eli Shetlar had a standout performance, showcasing his scoring prowess. Shetlar's 26 points led all scorers, and he was joined in double figures by Larson and Carr. However, it wasn't enough to overcome Belmont's second-half onslaught.
This game had real consequences for both teams' resumes. For Belmont, the win marked a Quadrant 3 victory, which will help bolster their NCAA Tournament chances. The Bruins' strong road performance will be a valuable addition to their postseason portfolio. On the other hand, Drake suffered a Quadrant 2 loss, which may hinder their tournament aspirations. Despite the defeat, the Bulldogs' performance against a top-100 opponent will still be viewed favorably by the selection committee.
The outcome of this game will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on both teams' tournament chances. Belmont's win strengthens their position as a potential at-large bid, while Drake's loss may force them to regroup and refocus their efforts. As the season enters its critical stretch, both teams want to build on this performance and make a push for the postseason. With this victory, Belmont's resume continues to grow, making a strong case for their inclusion in the NCAA Tournament.