Bruins Earn Second Consecutive NCAA Berth With 94-67 Victory Over ETSU In A-Sun Championship
The Belmont men’s basketball team earned their second consecutive NCAA Tournament berth as they captured the Atlantic Sun Championship Saturday afternoon with a 94-67 victory over No.1 seed and host ETSU. It marked the second straight year No. 2 seed Belmont defeated the No.1 seed in the championship game.
The victory for the Bruins was keyed by their shooting and rebounding. For the game they shot 50 percent, 48 percent from behind the three-point arc. They also outrebounded the Bucs 53-33.
Belmont jumped out to an early double digit lead mainly due to their remarkable shooting in the first half. They shot 53 percent in the first half and a staggering 63 percent (12-19) from three point range. At halftime, the Bruins led 49-30 after Justin Hare’s running three-pointer at the buzzer.
In the second half, Belmont’s shooting cooled off, but the Bucs could not capitalize as the Bruins responded to every ETSU scoring run. The closest the Bucs came was 14 points, but could not get any closer.
Belmont had four players in double figures. They were led in scoring by Andrew Preston and Andy Wicke who led the team with 18 points. Preston added a team-high 10 rebounds. Justin Hare added 17, while Boomer Herndon added 10 points.
ETSU was led by Courtney Pigram who had 21 points in the loss.
Three Bruins were named to the All-Tournament team: Andy Wicke, Andrew Preston and Justin Hare, who was named MVP.
For complete coverage of Belmont’s road to the NCAA Championship Tournament, visit BelmontBruins.com.
MORE
“Another Dance For Belmont” – The Tennessean, March 4, 2007
“Belmont dances back into NCAA tournament” – Nashville City Paper, March 4, 2007
“Byrd approaches NCAA different this time” – Nashville City Paper, March 5, 2007
