Belmont Bruins Defeat Bradley Braves 88-78 in NCAAB Clash
Thursday, January 1, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Curb Event Center Arena
Belmont Bruins 88, Bradley Braves 78, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Bradley Braves vs Belmont Bruins?
Belmont Bruins beat Bradley Braves 88-78 at Curb Event Center Arena on January 1, 2026.
Who was favored in Bradley Braves vs Belmont Bruins?
Belmont Bruins were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -185 (about 65% implied). The favorite won.
In an exciting matchup at the Curb Event Center Arena, the Belmont Bruins secured a solid victory over the Bradley Braves, finishing the game with a score of 88-78. This win is significant for Belmont, who improved their home record to 14-2, while Bradley's record now stands at 10-6. The Bruins had been looking to bounce back after a recent loss against Indiana State, and they managed to do so with a strong performance against the Braves.
Belmont entered the game with a record of 13-2, having gone 8-2 in their last ten games, although they were on a one-game losing streak. They averaged 86.6 points scored and allowed 69.8 points in those games. Their recent form had seen them score well, particularly at home, where they had a record of 3-1. In contrast, Bradley came into the game with a record of 10-5 and was riding a seven-game winning streak, averaging 81.7 points scored and allowing 69.6 points. Their recent performance had been impressive, especially with a home record of 9-1.
The teams had met twice in the current season, with each winning one game. In their previous encounters, Bradley won 80-77 on February 6, while Belmont lost 77-89 at home on January 22. This fixture was crucial for Belmont to even the score and assert their dominance at home.
In terms of injuries, the block provided no specific details about any players missing from either team, suggesting both squads were at full strength for this contest. The market had priced Belmont as the favorites, with DraftKings offering odds of -3.5 for Belmont against Bradley, while the total was set at 153.5 points, indicating expectations of a high-scoring game.
The conditions for the game were conducive to an exciting matchup, with both teams having proven offensive capabilities. Belmont's scoring prowess was on display as they utilized their home court advantage effectively. The Bruins showcased their offensive depth with multiple players contributing to the scoreline, including key plays in the second half that helped them maintain their lead.
Key moments in the second half included a layup by Drew Scharnowski that brought Bradley within eight points at 80-72, followed by a three-point jumper from Tyler Lundblade, extending Belmont's lead to 83-72. Despite Bradley's efforts, including a three-pointer from Montana Wheeler that cut the deficit to 78-84, Belmont's Nic McClain sealed the victory with two free throws in the final moments of the game.
As the game concluded, Belmont's home win probability was recorded at 1.0, reflecting their strong performance throughout the match. The Bruins' ability to score consistently and defend effectively against a formidable Bradley team highlights their potential as a strong contender in the NCAAB landscape this season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BEL -3.5 | 153.5 o -108 / u -112 | Bradley Braves +154 · Belmont Bruins -185 |
Leaders
- PointsTyler Lundblade25Belmont Bruins
- AssistsJack Smiley7Belmont Bruins
- ReboundsDrew Scharnowski9Belmont Bruins
- PointsDemarion Burch25Bradley Braves
- AssistsDemarion Burch4Bradley Braves
- ReboundsAhmet Jonovic8Bradley Braves
Recent form
Belmont Bruins
Last 10: 8-2Streak L186.6 scored · 69.8 allowed per game3-1 at home
- L80-81at Indiana State SycamoresDec 30
- W84-58at UC Irvine AnteatersDec 20
- W83-78at Evansville Purple AcesDec 17
- W87-84vs UIC FlamesDec 13
- W83-62at Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersDec 7
- L76-84vs Richmond SpidersDec 4
- W96-73at Charleston CougarsNov 30
- W87-72at Toledo RocketsNov 26
- W94-57vs Saint Francis Red WolvesNov 24
- W96-49vs Fisk BulldogsNov 22
Bradley Braves
Last 10: 9-1Streak W781.7 scored · 69.6 allowed per game1-0 away
- W76-68vs Evansville Purple AcesDec 30
- W73-69vs Southern Illinois SalukisDec 21
- W108-99at Indiana State SycamoresDec 19
- W86-53vs North Central College CardinalsDec 14
- W84-55vs Northern Illinois HuskiesDec 7
- W64-60vs Washington State CougarsDec 3
- W74-64vs Liberty FlamesNov 26
- L77-87vs UC San Diego TritonsNov 25
- W88-64vs Princeton TigersNov 25
- W87-77vs UMass Lowell River HawksNov 20
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belmont | 26-6 | - | 16-4 |
| Bradley | 21-13 | 3 | 13-7 |
| Illinois State | 23-13 | 4 | 12-8 |
| Murray State | 20-13 | 4 | 12-8 |
| UIC | 19-16 | 4 | 12-8 |
| Northern Iowa | 23-13 | 5 | 11-9 |
| Valparaiso | 18-15 | 5 | 11-9 |
| Southern Illinois | 16-16 | 6 | 10-10 |
| Drake | 14-20 | 10 | 6-14 |
| Indiana State | 11-21 | 12 | 4-16 |
| Evansville | 7-25 | 13 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Bradley Braves | Belmont Bruins |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-61 | 28-51 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 55 |
| Three-pointers | 13-32 | 10-23 |
| Three-point % | 41 | 43 |
| Free throws | 11-17 | 22-30 |
| Free throw % | 65 | 73 |
| Rebounds | 31 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 15 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 16 | 22 |
| Assists | 13 | 20 |
| Steals | 7 | 7 |
| Blocks | 3 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 16 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 21 | 18 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 22 | 36 |
| Fouls | 25 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 11 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 8 | 85 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half50-48Ahmet Jonovic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-51Tyler Lundblade makes 26-foot three point jumper (Eoin Dillon assists)
- 2nd Half52-51Timoty van der Knaap makes layup (Jaquan Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half52-52Jabez Jenkins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-53Jabez Jenkins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-53Timoty van der Knaap makes driving layup
- 2nd Half54-55Drew Scharnowski makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half56-55Alex Huibregtse makes 15-foot jumper (Montana Wheeler assists)
- 2nd Half56-58Drew Scharnowski makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jack Smiley assists)
- 2nd Half56-59Drew Scharnowski makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-61Jabez Jenkins makes 8-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half56-64Tyler Lundblade makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jack Smiley assists)
- 2nd Half58-64Demarion Burch makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half60-64Demarion Burch makes 9-foot jumper
- 2nd Half60-65Tyler Lundblade makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-66Tyler Lundblade makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-66Demarion Burch makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-66Demarion Burch makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-68Jabez Jenkins makes layup (Brigham Rogers assists)
- 2nd Half63-68Demarion Burch makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-68Demarion Burch makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-68Demarion Burch makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half67-70Drew Scharnowski makes 8-foot hook shot (Jack Smiley assists)
- 2nd Half67-71Jack Smiley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-72Jack Smiley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-73Jack Smiley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-74Jack Smiley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-74Montana Wheeler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-76Jabez Jenkins makes layup
- 2nd Half71-76Montana Wheeler makes 24-foot three point jumper (Demarion Burch assists)
- 2nd Half71-78Win Miller makes layup (Drew Scharnowski assists)
- 2nd Half72-78Alex Huibregtse makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-80Drew Scharnowski makes layup (Jack Smiley assists)
- 2nd Half72-83Tyler Lundblade makes 24-foot three point jumper (Nic McClain assists)
- 2nd Half75-83Montana Wheeler makes 27-foot three point jumper (Demarion Burch assists)
- 2nd Half75-84Jack Smiley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-84Montana Wheeler makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jaquan Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half78-86Eoin Dillon makes layup (Tyler Lundblade assists)
- 2nd Half78-87Nic McClain makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-88Nic McClain makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Belmont Bruins, below favours Bradley Braves.
Venue
- Curb Event Center ArenaNashville, TN
- Attendance1447
- OfficialsBert Smith, Gregory Nixon, Ed Crenshaw Jr.
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- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond