Full Article at BelmontBruins.com

Mick Hedgepeth blocks a shot of Evansville's James Haarsma in Belmont's 92-76 win in the CollegeInsider.com's Postseason Tournament.
Courtesy Molly Bartels, Evansville Courier & Press

EVANSVILLE, IND. - Behind 29 points from senior Alex Renfroe (Hermitage, Tenn.), a career-high 15 points from freshman Jonny Rice (Naperville, Ill.), and a season-high 17 three-point field goals, Belmont Basketball defeated Evansville Wednesday night, 92-76, in the first round of the inaugural CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament.

The game marked Belmont's fifth postseason appearance in the last six years. Yet, victory at the seasoned and tough-minded Purple Aces shaped up to be a tall order as Evansville entered the night with a 15-3 home record.

It was advertised as a meeting between two of the most electrifying offensive players at the mid major level - Belmont's Alex Renfroe and Evansville's Shy Ely. And each player more than lived up to advanced billing.

In fact, Ely scored five straight baskets in the first 3:41 of the game to give the hosts an early two point lead.

Trailing 12-11, and with senior Andy Wicke (Hendersonville, Tenn.) and sophomore Jon House (Guelph, Ont., Canada) in early foul trouble, the Bruins received one of top performances of the season off the bench in the form of Rice.

Eight quick points from Rice highlighted a 22-4 Bruin run as Belmont seized a 33-16 lead midway through the first half.

Belmont (20-12) secures the first postseason victory of its NCAA era and a fourth consecutive 20+ win season. it also marked the first postseason win by an A-Sun school since Georgia State defeated Wisconsin in the 2001 NCAA Tournament.

The Bruins advance to the second round of the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament. They will play Monday, Mar. 23 - on the road against the winner of the Old Dominion-The Citadel game.