Belcher scores 18 and Belmont pulls away in final minutes to beat East Tennessee State 74-67

Belmont defeats East Tennessee State 74-67

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — Keaton Belcher scored 18 points and Belmont held off East Tennessee State 74-67 on Monday night.

Mick Hedgepeth added 16 points and Drew Hanlen had 15 for the Bruins (13-10, 8-5 Atlantic Sun Conference), who swept the season series against the Buccaneers. The Bruins won 100-89 on Jan. 23.

It was Belmont’s fourth win in its past five games and 10th win in the past 13 meetings with East Tennessee State.

Belmont led 63-47 with 6:23 to play before the Buccaneers (11-12, 7-5) went on a 16-2 run to pull to within 65-63. Sheldon Cooley missed a dunk that would have tied the game for the Buccaneers.

The Bruins pulled away after that, finishing on a 9-4 run. Belmont made 25 of 34 free throw attempts (73.5 percent).

Isiah Brown scored 17 points, and Tommy Hubbard had a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds for the Bruins.