Belmont asserted its dominance over Drake at the Curb Event Center Arena, cruising to a 103-90 victory. The Bruins' high-powered offense was on full display, with Sam Orme leading the charge with 22 points. The win marked Belmont's 21st victory of the season, solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the country.
From the opening tip, Belmont set the tone, racing out to a 51-43 halftime lead. The Bruins' offense was clicking on all cylinders, with Orme, Drew Scharnowski, and Jack Smiley all making significant contributions. Scharnowski added 19 points and 7 rebounds, while Smiley chipped in with 18 points and 6 assists. The trio's impressive performance allowed Belmont to maintain a comfortable lead throughout the contest.
Drake, led by Jalen Quinn's 22 points, refused to back down. Quinn's effort was matched by his teammates, Jaehshon Thomas and Owen Larson, who added 16 and 14 points, respectively. However, the Bulldogs' defense struggled to contain Belmont's potent offense, which scored 52 points in the second half to seal the win.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
The 13-point margin of victory exceeded the predicted score, with CHD Scout correctly forecasting a Belmont win by 9.5 points. The actual score of 103-90 was a far cry from the predicted 81-72, a reflection of the high-scoring affair that unfolded.
The win has real consequences for Belmont's tournament resume, as it falls into the Q4 category. Despite the victory, the Bruins will likely face scrutiny for their strength of schedule, making each win crucial in their pursuit of a high seed in the NCAA tournament. On the other hand, the loss drops Drake to 12-12, and the Q1 designation will be a valuable addition to their resume, potentially boosting their at-large chances.
As the season enters its final stretch, Belmont want to build on this momentum, leveraging their high-powered offense to make a deep postseason run. With Orme, Scharnowski, and Smiley leading the charge, the Bruins have the talent and depth to compete with any team in the country. The win over Drake serves as a reflection of their abilities, and they will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in the tournament. For Drake, the loss is a setback, but the Q1 designation and strong performance from Quinn and his teammates will give them hope as they strive to turn their season around and make a push for the postseason.