NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In a thrilling matchup on Tuesday night, Belmont University secured a 71-64 victory over Valparaiso. Tyler Lundblade was instrumental in this win, contributing 17 points and grabbing five rebounds for the Bruins, who now hold a strong record of 13-5 overall and 5-2 in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Isaiah Walker added 13 points to the team’s total, performing well with 5 out of 8 shooting, including 1 for 3 from beyond the arc, along with nine rebounds to bolster the Bruin’s effort. Additionally, Carter Whitt finished the game with 10 points, shooting 3 of 9 from the floor and 4 for 6 from the free-throw line, further supporting the team’s offensive push.

For Valparaiso, Justus McNair was the stand-out player, recording 19 points along with three steals and two blocks. His efforts kept the Beacons competitive throughout the game. Cooper Schwieger contributed significantly as well with 12 points and 15 rebounds, while also making his mark defensively with two steals and three blocks. Isaiah Shaw likewise made a strong impact with 12 points and six rebounds.

Belmont had a solid start, heading into halftime with a 40-30 lead, with Lundblade leading the charge by scoring nine points in the first half. The game took a pivotal turn in the second half when Belmont unleashed a 7-0 run that overturned a two-point deficit and pushed them ahead 63-58 with just 5:26 remaining. Whitt proved to be particularly effective in the second half, scoring eight of his total points as the Bruins closed out the game.