NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — Belmont used a balanced offensive attack and strong interior play to defeat Indiana State 87-70 in a Missouri Valley Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Curb Events Center.

The Bruins built a 39-25 halftime lead and maintained control throughout, scoring 50 points in the paint. Jack Smiley led Belmont with 18 points. Ian Scott scored 16 for the Sycamores, who lost despite a 45-point second half.

Belmont improved to 25-4 overall. Indiana State fell to 10-19. An announced crowd of 3,644 watched the Bruins outshoot the Sycamores 50.8% to 43.5% from the field and force 13 turnovers.