NASHVILLE, TENN. -- Ryan Steger registered his third double-double on the year to lead Belmont to a 60-53 win over Azusa Pacific in the championship of the Belmont Classic Saturday afternoon.
Despite being down 25-21 in the first half, Belmont charged out to a 26-25 advantage to start the second half ;and never surrendered the lead. It marked the first time this season BU has won a game when trailing at the half. The Bruins held the Cougars scoreless from 5:44 in the first half to 17:05 i the second. Belmont also made a defensive stand late in the game, holding Azusa Pacific to no points from 7:38 to 2:21.
"Our zone defense forced them to take shots they normally wouldn't, plus they just had some shots not fall," said Bruin Head Coach Rick Byrd. "We got some big, big baskets in key situations late in the game. Except for a few ball handling mistakes and the missed free throws, I was very pleased wit hour performance. This may be on of those keystone games that helps take us to the next level."
With the win Belmont improves to 8-5, while Azusa Pacific falls to 11-5.