NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Carter Whitt contributed significantly with 14 points as Belmont secured a narrow victory against Middle Tennessee, ending the game at 82-79 on Saturday.

In addition to his scoring, Whitt also made an impact on the boards with eight rebounds, dished out eight assists, and recorded three steals for the Bruins, who improved to an 8-2 record this season. Isaiah Walker matched Whitt’s scoring total with 14 points, showcasing an efficient shooting performance by making 6 out of 12 attempts, including 2 of 4 from the charity stripe, and also grabbing eight rebounds. Meanwhile, Sam Orme contributed 12 points, shooting 5 of 11 from the floor and hitting one out of three from beyond the arc.

The Blue Raiders, now 7-3, were led in scoring by Jlynn Counter, who produced 22 points along with five assists. Jestin Porter added to the offensive effort with 21 points and recorded two blocks, while Essam Mostafa contributed a double-double, finishing with 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Belmont entered halftime with a 38-30 lead. Walker’s eight points in the first half played a crucial role in establishing that advantage. The Bruins made a decisive move early in the second half with a 19-2 run, overcoming a three-point deficit and extending their lead to 44-30 just after the 19-minute mark. Whitt’s performance continued to shine as he scored ten points in the latter half, and his four critical free throws in the last half-minute were pivotal in securing Belmont’s victory.