Belmont's Jabez Jenkins led the charge with 17 points as the Bruins secured a 78-74 victory over Valparaiso at the Curb Event Center Arena. The win marked Belmont's 18th of the season, solidifying their strong record. Valparaiso's Owen Dease put on a show with 24 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Bruins' balanced attack.
The first half saw both teams trade baskets, with Belmont taking a slim 41-39 lead into halftime. The Bruins' Eoin Dillon and Jack Smiley chipped in with 12 and 11 points, respectively, to complement Jenkins' scoring. Valparaiso's Rakim Chaney added 17 points, while Brody Whitaker contributed 11 points in the losing effort.
The second half was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to pull away. Belmont's lead hovered around 5-7 points for much of the half, but Valparaiso refused to back down. Dease's impressive scoring kept the Crusaders within striking distance, but ultimately, Belmont's depth and defense was the difference.
The victory was a Quad 4 win for Belmont, which may not significantly boost their tournament resume but still maintains their strong overall record. On the other hand, Valparaiso's loss was a Quad 1 defeat, which could have a more substantial impact on their tournament chances. Despite the loss, the Crusaders can take solace in their competitive performance against a top-notch opponent like Belmont.
The game was a reflection of the strength of both teams, with Belmont's win showcasing their ability to close out tough games. Jenkins' 17 points were a key factor in the Bruins' victory, and his performance matters in their upcoming matchups. Dease's 24 points, on the other hand, demonstrated his scoring prowess and will be an important aspect of Valparaiso's offense moving forward.
As the season progresses, Belmont want to build on this win and continue to strengthen their tournament resume. With a current NET ranking of 62, the Bruins are firmly in the mix for a postseason berth. Valparaiso, meanwhile, will aim to bounce back from this loss and improve their NET ranking of 166. The Crusaders' performance against Belmont showed that they can compete with top teams, and they want to carry that momentum into their upcoming games.
The outcome of this matchup has real consequences for both teams' tournament chances. Belmont's win keeps them on track for a potential at-large bid, while Valparaiso's loss makes their path to the tournament more challenging. As the season enters its critical stretch, both teams will be focused on securing key wins to bolster their resumes. For now, Belmont's victory over Valparaiso serves as a reflection of their strength and resilience, and they want to carry that momentum into their next game.