Morehead State downs top-seeded Belmont to win OVC title, first Tournament berth in a decade

EVANSVILLE, Ind.— It was Morehead State's night as the Eagles dismantled top seed Belmont in surprising fashion Saturday for a 86-71 victory, capturing the OVC tournament championship at the Ford Center while securing an NCAA Tournament berth.

The Eagles (23-7) were efficient defensively and relentless offensively, shooting 54% for the game and were 9-for-19 (47%) from 3. Belmont (26-4) was playing catch-up from the start and the Bruins could never recover.

Morehead State picked up its first OVC title since 2011 as the Eagles improved their record to 5-1 in conference title games. They are making their first NCAA Tournament appearance in a decade.

OVC freshman of the year Johni Broome was too much for the Bruins in the post. Broome had 27 points and 12 rebounds and was named tournament MVP. Skyelar Potter added 22 points and was 4-for-5 from 3-point range. DeVon Cooper added 14.

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Nick Muszynski was the one constant offensively for the Bruins. He had 23 points and four rebounds in his best game since an injury forced him to miss the final two regular-season games.

Belmont finished as the regular-season champs and were the favorites to claim its second consecutive tournament title. But Morehead State controlled the paint, scoring 46 in the post and outrebounded Belmont 46-34.

Morehead State opened up a 22-point lead in the second half. Belmont managed to cut it 12 with less than two minutes left in the game but couldn't get closer.

Luke Smith finished with 15 points and Grayson Murphy added 13 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.