Windler, Murphy each score 20; Belmont beats WKU 80-74
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Dylan Windler had his fifth double-double of the season and freshman Grayson Murphy scored 20 points as Belmont nearly blew a 19-point second-half lead before holding on for an 80-74 win over Western Kentucky on Wednesday night.
Windler had 20 points and 11 rebounds and Murphy hit a season-high five 3-pointers. Kevin McClain had 12 points and a career-high eight assists and Nick Muszynski, who finished with seven points, made 4 of 4 free throws in the final 25 seconds for Belmont (9-1).
Windler's layup gave the Bruins a 57-38 lead with 15 minutes to play, but WKU (5-6) scored 17 of the next 20 points to trim its deficit to five midway through the half. McClain converted a 3-point play to push the lead to 12 with six minutes left and Seth Adelsperger's layup made it 75-65 with 1:33 to go. Lamonte Bearden made a layup, Dalano Banton hit a 3 and, after Murphy made 1 of 2 free throws, Banton's layup pulled the Hilltoppers within four with 28 seconds remaining.
Freshman Charles Bassey had 16 points and 10 rebounds -- his fifth double-double -- and Josh Anderson also scored 16 for WKU.
The Hilltoppers shot 56 percent (14 of 25) from the field and made all their 16 free-throw attempts in the second half but made just 3 of 15 from 3-point range.
Game Information
- Referees:
- Tim Gattis
- Bret Smith
- Kevin Mathis
2023-24 Conference USA Standings
Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
---|---|---|---|
Sam Houston | 13-3 | - | 21-12 |
Louisiana Tech | 12-4 | 1 | 22-10 |
Western Kentucky | 8-8 | 5 | 22-12 |
Liberty | 7-9 | 6 | 18-14 |
UTEP | 7-9 | 6 | 18-16 |
Middle Tennessee | 7-9 | 6 | 14-19 |
New Mexico State | 7-9 | 6 | 13-19 |
Jacksonville State | 6-10 | 7 | 14-18 |
Florida International | 5-11 | 8 | 11-22 |
2023-24 Missouri Valley Conference Standings
Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
---|---|---|---|
Indiana State | 17-3 | - | 32-7 |
Drake | 16-4 | 1 | 28-7 |
Bradley | 13-7 | 4 | 23-12 |
Belmont | 12-8 | 5 | 20-13 |
Northern Iowa | 12-8 | 5 | 19-14 |
Southern Illinois | 11-9 | 6 | 19-13 |
Illinois State | 9-11 | 8 | 15-17 |
Murray State | 9-11 | 8 | 12-20 |
Missouri State | 8-12 | 9 | 17-16 |
Evansville | 6-14 | 11 | 17-18 |
UIC | 4-16 | 13 | 12-21 |
Valparaiso | 3-17 | 14 | 7-25 |