Belmont's high-powered offense was on full display at Credit Union 1 Arena, as the Bruins took down Illinois-Chicago 68-62. Tyler Lundblade stole the show, scoring 24 points to lead Belmont to their sixth consecutive victory. The win was predicted by CHD Scout, who forecasted a 5.3-point margin in favor of the Bruins - a prediction that ultimately proved accurate, with Belmont emerging victorious by six points.
The first half belonged to Belmont, as they built a 12-point lead by halftime, with Lundblade scoring 14 of his 24 points in the opening period. Illinois-Chicago struggled to keep pace, scoring just 26 points in the first half. Ahmad Henderson II led the charge for UIC, scoring 14 points on the night, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Bruins' strong start. Mekhi Lowery and Elijah Crawford also chipped in for the Flames, scoring 13 and 11 points, respectively.
CHD Scout Report Card
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In the second half, Illinois-Chicago made a push to get back in the game, outscoring Belmont 36-30. However, the Bruins' lead proved insurmountable, and they held on for the 68-62 win. Sam Orme and Aidan Noyes provided key support for Lundblade, scoring 15 and 9 points, respectively, to help seal the victory.
The win is a significant one for Belmont, as it marks their 22nd victory of the season and solidifies their position as one of the top teams in the country. With a net ranking of 58, the Bruins are firmly in the tournament picture, and this win will only help to bolster their resume. For Illinois-Chicago, the loss drops them to 13-12 on the season, but the fact that they were able to hang with a team like Belmont will be a confidence booster.
This game was classified as a Quadrant 2 game for Illinois-Chicago and a Quadrant 3 game for Belmont, making the win a valuable one for the Bruins. As the season enters its final stretch, Belmont want to build on this momentum and make a deep run in the tournament. With Lundblade leading the charge, the Bruins are a team to watch in the coming weeks. The win over UIC is just the latest example of Belmont's strength and depth, and it will undoubtedly be a key factor in their tournament chances.