The Belmont Bruins, led by Jack Smiley's 21 points, dominated the Murray State Racers 87-70, a 17-point margin that exceeded the predicted 6.7-point difference. This victory marked Belmont's 24th win of the season, solidifying their position as a strong contender. The game started slowly for Belmont, with only 24 points scored in the first period, but they exploded for 63 points in the second, outscoring Murray State by 32 points in that half. Murray State, on the other hand, struggled to maintain their pace, scoring 39 points in the first period but only 31 in the second. This significant drop-off in scoring was a major factor in their loss, as they were unable to keep up with Belmont's high-powered offense.
Belmont's recent form has been impressive, with an average of 89.8 points per game over their last 5 games, and this win continued that trend. They have been outscoring their opponents by an average of 6.0 points per game during this stretch, and their performance against Murray State was no exception. The Racers, however, have been struggling, with an average of 78.4 points per game over their last 5 games, while allowing 83.8 points per game. This 5.4-point deficit per game has been a major concern for Murray State, and it ultimately caught up with them against Belmont. With 19 wins and 9 losses on the season, Murray State's NET rank of 94 is still respectable, but this loss may have real consequences for their tournament chances.
The star performers for both teams were evident, with Jack Smiley leading the way for Belmont. However, it was not just his 21 points that made the difference, but also his ability to hit big shots when it mattered most. Eoin Dillon and Sam Orme also had impressive games, with 19 and 16 points respectively, and their contributions on the glass were crucial in outrebounding Murray State. For the Racers, KJ Tenner and Javon Jackson had strong games, scoring 21 and 20 points respectively, but they lacked the supporting cast to keep up with Belmont's offense. Roman Domon's 8 points and 7 rebounds were a notable effort, but it was not enough to stem the tide of Belmont's attack.
As the game wore on, it became clear that Belmont's offense was too much for Murray State to handle. The Racers' defense, which had been allowing an average of 83.8 points per game over their last 5 games, was unable to contain Belmont's high-powered attack. The Bruins' ability to score from both inside and outside, with 34 points in the paint and 12 three-pointers, made them a difficult team to defend. Murray State, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, shooting only 38.5% from the field and 25% from three-point range. This poor shooting performance, combined with their inability to stop Belmont's offense, ultimately sealed their fate.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
The CHD Scout prediction of a 6.7-point Belmont win was correct, but the actual margin of 17 points was a surprise. The key factor in this disparity was Belmont's ability to adapt to Murray State's defense, which had been causing problems for opponents in recent games. The Bruins' offense, which had been averaging 89.8 points per game over their last 5 games, was able to exploit the Racers' weaknesses and score at will. This adaptability, combined with their strong recent form, made them a formidable opponent for Murray State. The Racers, on the other hand, were unable to overcome their defensive struggles, which had been a major concern in their recent games.
The trend data for both teams suggests that this result was not entirely unexpected. Belmont has been on a roll, with 4 wins in their last 5 games, while Murray State has been struggling to find consistency. The Racers' recent form has been marked by a 5.4-point deficit per game, and this loss was a continuation of that trend. Belmont, on the other hand, has been outscoring their opponents by an average of 6.0 points per game over their last 5 games, and this win was a reflection of their strength. With this victory, Belmont improved their record to 24-4, while Murray State fell to 19-9.
The implications of this win for Belmont's tournament chances are significant. With a NET rank of 61, they are firmly in the conversation for a high seed in the tournament. This win, combined with their strong recent form, has cemented their position as a top contender. Murray State, on the other hand, is still on the bubble, with a NET rank of 94. This loss may have hurt their chances, but they still have time to recover and make a push for the tournament. The Racers' recent form has been a concern, but they have shown flashes of brilliance in their wins over Indiana State and Southern Illinois. If they can find consistency and overcome their defensive struggles, they may still have a chance to make a run in the tournament.
In the end, Belmont's dominant performance was too much for Murray State to handle. The Bruins' ability to score from both inside and outside, combined with their strong defense, made them a difficult team to beat. With 63 points in the second period, they were able to pull away from the Racers and secure a convincing win. This victory marked Belmont's 24th win of the season, and it has real consequences for their tournament chances. As the season enters its final stretch, Belmont is firmly in the conversation for a high seed, while Murray State is still fighting to make the tournament. With 17 points separating the two teams, it is clear that Belmont is a force to be reckoned with, and they will be a tough opponent for anyone in the tournament.