Belmont Defeats Tennessee State in Competitive Matchup

Belmont leading scorer Drew Scharnowski shoots 6 for 7 against crosstown rival TSU

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Belmont University men’s basketball earned a hard-fought 87–79 victory over Tennessee State on Saturday night at the Curb Event Center. The Bruins showcased depth and stingy defense, making timely plays down the stretch to hold off the Tigers.

Drew Scharnowski led Belmont with 17 points and seven rebounds, going an efficient 6-for-7 from the field. Belmont’s defense helped limit Tennessee State to 35 percent shooting; in the first half the Bruins forced the Tigers into a long drought, as Tennessee State managed only four field goals in the opening 12 minutes.

Belmont built an early advantage, with a Nic McClain layup pushing the lead to 21–9 midway through the first half. Eoin Dillon and Brigham Rogers added steady offense, but Tennessee State rallied behind Dante Harris, who led all scorers with 21 points. Harris’ scoring helped the Tigers close the gap, and the teams went into halftime with Belmont up just 34–32.

The Bruins opened the second half strong. Scharnowski’s acrobatic slam sparked an 11–0 run, and Tyler Lundblade’s hot shooting — he buried three straight 3-pointers — extended Belmont’s lead to 50–40 early in the half. Tennessee State stayed resilient, using second-chance points and transition baskets to remain in the game.

Sam Orme and Scharnowski continued to supply baskets for Belmont; Orme finished with 14 points and eight rebounds. The physical nature of the contest was reflected in the foul line: the teams combined for 39 free-throw attempts. Tennessee State trimmed the margin late on 3-pointers by Travis Harper and Khalil London, pulling within 79–76 with just over a minute left. Belmont, however, closed the game at the line, hitting 6-of-8 free throws down the stretch to finish the job.

Belmont got scoring from several players: besides Scharnowski and Orme, Lundblade scored 14 points, all in the second half; Brigham Rogers had 12; and Bez Jenkins added 11 along with key defensive plays. Tennessee State also had multiple contributors: Harper II scored 15, Aaron Nkrumah added 14 points and four steals, and Jalen Pitre grabbed 11 rebounds as the Tigers held a 44–42 advantage on the boards.

The win was Belmont’s 10th straight over Tennessee State and improves the Bruins to 2–0 on the season; Tennessee State falls to 1–1. Belmont travels to face Oral Roberts next Saturday, while Tennessee State looks to bounce back against Oakwood in Gentry Center at TSU next Tuesday.