CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (Interstat) — Belmont built a first-half lead and held off Northern Iowa for a 78-65 men’s basketball victory Wednesday night at McLeod Center.

The Bruins led 36-32 at halftime and maintained control throughout the second half before an announced crowd of 3,626. Jack Smiley led Belmont with 19 points and six assists. Drew Scharnowski added 18 points for the Bruins, who improved to 14-3.

Northern Iowa, which fell to 12-4, was led by Max Weisbrod with 12 points. Trey Campbell added nine points and seven assists for the Panthers. Belmont shot more effectively from the field to secure the conference road win, defying pregame projections that favored the home team.