DES MOINES, Iowa (Interstat) — Belmont overcame a 19-point first-half deficit to edge Drake 78-76 in a Missouri Valley Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Knapp Center.

The Bulldogs, led by Eli Shetlar’s 26 points, dominated early and led 44-25 at halftime. The Bruins surged in the second half with a 53-point performance, fueled by Sam Orme’s 12 points and key contributions from Eoin Dillon and Tyler Lundblade, who each scored 15.

Belmont’s defense forced 17 turnovers and secured 14 steals to complete the comeback before an announced crowd of 3,657. The Bruins improved to 15-3 overall, while Drake fell to 8-9.