Belmont wins season opener, beats Illinois State 100-89
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Caleb Hollander scored 21 points, Dylan Windler added 20 and Belmont rolled in its season opener with a 100-89 victory over Illinois State on Saturday night.
Hollander, a 6-8 freshman forward from Nashville, was 8 of 15 from the floor with four 3-pointers. Windler, the preseason Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year, was 7-of-13 shooting. Nick Muszynski added 18 points and Kevin McClain 14 for Belmont. Grayson Murphy had 13 points and 10 assists.
Phil Fayne scored 23 points for Illinois State (1-1). Zach Copeland made four 3s and finished with 14 points.
The game was tied 40-40 with six minutes left in the first half. The Bruins closed on a 22-6 run for a 62-46 halftime advantage and held a double-digit lead the rest of the way. Windler scored seven points and Hollander had five during the stretch.
Game Information
2024-25 Missouri Valley Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bradley | 4-1 | - | 13-3 |
| Drake | 3-2 | 1 | 13-2 |
| Belmont | 3-2 | 1 | 11-5 |
| UIC | 3-2 | 1 | 10-5 |
| Valparaiso | 3-2 | 1 | 10-6 |
| Murray State | 3-2 | 1 | 9-7 |
| Indiana State | 3-2 | 1 | 9-7 |
| Northern Iowa | 3-2 | 1 | 9-7 |
| Evansville | 3-2 | 1 | 6-10 |
| Illinois State | 2-3 | 2 | 10-6 |
| Missouri State | 0-5 | 4 | 7-9 |
| Southern Illinois | 0-5 | 4 | 5-11 |
Men's College Basketball News
