RADFORD - Jay Lannin scored 16 points to lead Belmont to a 67-56 win over Radford in the Dedmon Center Thursday night.
Belmont (7-13) took a 6-4 lead on a Jared Karnes layup with 16:49 remaining in the first half and never relinquished it in a game marred by sloppy play. The Bruins gradually pulled away from the Highlanders and took a 39-26 lead into the half.
Radford (9-9) failed to make a field goal during a 7-minute, 44-second span of the game covering the end of the first half and the beginning of the second, a drought which allowed the Bruins to build their insurmountable lead. (See box score.)
RU was able to stay within striking distance when Belmont failed to make a field goal in the first 10 minutes, 58 seconds of the second half. The Bruins were able to overcome the drought by making eight of their 10 free throws attempts during that span. Dougie Webb made Belmont's first field goal of the half with 9 minutes, 2 seconds remaining in the game as the Bruins maintained a significant lead at 48-41.
The Highlanders closed within four points when Chibi Johnson streaked down the court after Webb's field goal and converted an old fashioned three-point to make the score 48-44. But RU would get no closer.
Despite turning the ball over 16 times in the second half, Belmont steadied itself offensively in the closing minutes of the game and gradually rebuilt its lead after Johnson's basket. The Bruins took their biggest lead of the game at 59-47 when Jay Lannin got fouled making a layup and converted the free throw. RU got back within five points, but Belmont hit five of six free throws in the final minute to ensure the victory.
Johnson led RU by equaling his career high with 15 points. Corey Reed scored 14 points. For the game, RU shot a season-low 32.6 percent from the field. The Highlanders, who entered the game ranked 10th nationally in three pointers made per game at 8.9 per outing, were limited to a season low two three point baskets on 17 attempts.
Webb scored 15 points for the Bruins on a 5-of-7 shooting performance
and Jeremy Kees scored 14. Belmont shot 50 percent from the field but committed
27 turnovers.
See 1997-98 RU Men's Basketball Cumulative Statistics
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