Luke scores 25, McClain 21 in Belmont's 83-72 victory (Jan 27, 2018)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Austin Luke made four 3-pointers and scored 25 points and Kevin McClain added 21 in leading Belmont to an 83-72 victory over Southern Illinois-Edwardsville on Saturday to remain atop the Ohio Valley Conference.
Amanze Egekeze had 13 points and seven rebounds for the Bruins (17-6, 9-1), who won their sixth straight, while Nick Hopkins had three treys and 11 points. The Bruins had one more field goal than SIUE but made 24 of 32 free throws to 14 of 16 for the Cougars (7-14, 3-7), who lost their fourth in a row.
Luke, who gave Belmont a 63-62 lead with a 3-pointer, got behind the SIUE defense for a breakaway layup and McClain added four free throws to lead 80-68 with 22 seconds left.
Jalen Henry scored 17 points, David McFarland 15 and Christian Ellis 13 for the Cougars.
Belmont has beaten SIUE in all seven of their meetings.
