NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)—Justin Hare and three other Bruins each scored nine points, and Belmont took advantage of a cold-shooting Fordham in pulling out a 56-49 victory Tuesday night in the NIT Season Tip-off’s consolation game.
Belmont (1-1) had wanted to play No. 25 Tennessee in the winner’s bracket here but lost to UNC Wilmington. The Bruins played less than 24 hours later as if they were still disappointed over the loss.
Fordham (1-2) went 21 minutes, 20 seconds without a field goal. The Bruins didn’t build a big enough lead during the Rams’ drought, and Fordham used their defense to play their way back into the game.
Chris Bethal scored consecutive baskets and pulled Fordham within 44-40 with 4:39 left. But the Rams couldn’t get any closer as Hare hit a pair of free throws in helping seal the victory.
Brent Butler hit a 2-pointer with 12:11 left in the first half, then the Rams missed their next 12 attempts to finish the first half. They missed their first nine in the second half and didn’t end the drought until Bryant Dunston dunked with 10:45 to go, pulling Fordham within 36-27.
Dunston had a game-high 11 points. The Rams finished 14-of-49 from the floor (28.9 percent) and had 12 steals.
Hare hit two free throws to give Belmont the lead for good at 16-15 with 9:04 left—the first of 11 straight points and led 29-19 at halftime.
