NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — Belmont held off a late challenge from Valparaiso to secure a 78-74 victory in a Missouri Valley Conference men’s basketball game Tuesday night at Curb Events Center.

The Bruins led 41-39 at halftime and maintained a narrow advantage throughout the second half before closing out the win in front of 1,648 fans. Jabez Jenkins led Belmont with 17 points. Sam Orme, Eoin Dillon and Drew Scharnowski each added 10 points for the Bruins, who improved to 16-3 overall.

Valparaiso, which got 39 first-half points from Isaiah Barnes, dropped to 8-10. The Beacons’ comeback attempt fell short despite outscoring Belmont 35-37 after intermission. Belmont was a pregame favorite and the combined score went under the betting total.