On Saturday night, at the Municipal Auditorium, Belmont University faced Murray State in the OVC Championship game. Belmont was No. 3 seed in the tournament with Murray State being first and no.25 in the nation; Belmont had knocked EKU (The No.2 seed) the previous night.

The game started at 6 pm and the Bruins took a quick lead against the Racers. Belmont known for impressive 3-point shots didn’t seem to have any trouble hitting them and took a strong lead for the first part of the game. Murray, not a team to be outdone, quickly gained on Belmont and by the end of the half was up 49 to 41.

The second half of the game was full of defensive plays, tied scores, and both teams working their advantage points. With 10 seconds left in the game, Belmont was only down by 1, giving the team enough time to score a bid to the NCAA tournament.

Belmont’s final shot only occurred because of an official time out. Originally Coach Rick Byrd designed a play to tie up the game for overtime. But the clock started prematurely and the play had to be restarted. Byrd, not wanting Murray State to know the play, changed the play to set up Taylor Barnette for the three point shot.

Murray State gave it their all in those last seconds, but unfortunately missed the last shot to ensure a Belmont win.Final score was 87 to 88- with Belmont punching the first ticket to the NCAA tournament.

This is Belmont’s seventh NCAA tournament appearance in the last ten years. They have yet to make it to the tournament and win the first round, but we’re sending our support to the team this year!

Good Luck Belmont Bruins!