Belmont Bruins
Ohio Valley (24-9, 14-2)
Once again Belmont was tested during non-conference play. And once again they came away with a big win, this time against North Carolina. Coach Rick Byrd keeps reloading and in their second year in the OVC, the Bruins proved to be the team to beat yet again. And it may stay that way for a while.
Big Wins: 11/14 Indiana State (96-95), 11/17 at North Carolina (83-80), 12/3 at Middle Tennessee (70-58)
Bad Losses: 12/17 at Denver (62-90), 2/1 at Tennessee Tech (76-81), 3/8 vs Eastern Kentucky (73-79)
Coach: Rick Bryd (29 seasons at Belmont)
Why They Can Surprise:
The high scoring Belmont offense is as potent as ever. J.J. Mann, a senior wing, leads the way with 18.3 points per game. He is the most prolific long range shooter, but Craig Bradshaw and Drew Windler are just as consistent. Rarely, if ever, will those three have an off night at the same time which leaves Belmont with at least one dangerous three-point shooter. But even if shots are not falling as much as the Bruins would like, Mann and Bradshaw especially can score in other ways. Reece Chamberlain is often setting up the other scorers, as his 5.4 assists per contest would indicate, yet he too is another capable scorer for the Bruins.
Why They Can Disappoint:
Belmont’s problems lie in the frontcourt. Blake Jenkins and Drew Windler can score some points, but neither is particularly strong on the glass. Nor is either much of a shot blocking threat. As a result, the opposition can often get to the hoop and finish with ease. That is the style Belmont runs, but in order to wins some postseason, Belmont is going to have to shoot lights out and simply outscore their opponent.
Probable Starters:
Reece Chamberlain, Junior, Guard, 11.4 ppg, 5.4 apg
Craig Bradshaw, Sophomore, Guard, 15.2 ppg, 3.1 apg
J.J. Mann, Senior, Guard, 18.3 ppg, 2.5 apg
Blake Jenkins, Senior, Forward, 8.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg
Drew Windler, Senior, Forward, 10.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg
Key Roleplayers:
Evan Bradds, Freshman, Guard, 9.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg
Jeff Laidig, Sophomore, Guard, 0.7 ppg
Caleb Chowbay, Freshman, Guard, 3.2 ppg, 1.3 apg
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 80.2 (18th in nation, 2nd in conference)
Scoring Defense: 74.3 (280, 7)
Field-Goal Percentage: 50.5 (2, 1)
Field-Goal Defense: 46.0 (284, 5)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 8.9 (11, 2)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 39.7 (8, 1)
Free-Throw Percentage: 73.2 (53, 2)
Rebound Margin: -2.1 (260, 8)
Assists Per Game: 15.8 (22, 2)
Turnovers Per Game: 12.9 (232, 6)
Recent Postseason Appearances:
2013 NCAA Second Round loss to Arizona
2012 NCAA Second Round loss to Georgetown
2011 NCAA Round of 64 loss to Wisconsin
2009 CIT First Round win over Evansville
2009 CIT Second Round loss to Old Dominion
2008 NCAA Round of 64 loss to Duke
2007 NCAA Round of 64 loss to Georgetown
2006 NCAA Round of 64 loss to UCLA
*all team stats through 3/9
See All Men’s Basketball Postseason Capsules
