Purdue 73, Belmont 62: Boiler Defense Dominates

Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY SportsBefore tonight Belmont was one of the top scoring teams in the country. They entered Mackey Arena averaging 89.5 points per game, which was 7th nationally. That was jsut ahead of NC State and just behind Duke. With all five starters in double figures they were a dangerous team for sure.

For most of the game Purdue was fully in control. The Boilers led by 23 with just under 10 minutes left and appeared to be cruising after Matt Haarms scored to make it 57-34 with 9:53 left.

Then Belmont busted out its full court press.

The Bruins needed less than two moinutes for a stunning 14-0 run that got them back into it. They were as close as 7 with the basketball and about 5…