The Belmont Bruins defeated the Bisons 93-84 in the 138th game of the Battle of the Boulevard Monday night in Allen Arena.
This rivalry match-up has become one of the best face-offs at the mid-major level in college basketball.
Belmont won the past nine meetings between the two teams, beginning this streak in the 2012-2013 season.
Lipscomb’s defense struggled to slow down Belmont during the start of the game Monday night. Halfway through the first half, the Bisons switched to a zone defense that slowed down the Bruins’ offense.
“Switching to the zone helped our defense slow down one of the better offenses we are going to play this season,” head coach Casey Alexander said. “We were able to force Craig Bradshaw to go 1-7 during a stretch in the first half, and we were even able to cause a few turnovers.”
Lipscomb shot a season high of 38 three-pointers with junior guard Josh Williams scoring 21 points total. This was the 24th time that Williams has scored 20 or more points in a game.
Belmont swept the season series after beating the Bisons 105-89 on Dec. 1; however, Lipscomb leads the all-time series 73-65.
Lipscomb is on a four game losing streak with the team’s last win coming over two weeks ago.
“It can be hard going on a losing streak like this especially with a young team,” Alexander said. “We are working hard and preparing as much as we can prepare. We are just telling our guys to believe that it will pay off.”
Lipscomb plays next Thursday at home against Princeton at 4 p.m. on ESPN3.
Photos by Erin Turner and Ben Davis