A week to establish a reputation for Belmont basketball

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Belmont’s Ben Sheppard (22) and teammates yell in celebration /

Better defense from the Bruins

Belmont is giving up 77 points per game and that is frankly too much. The Bruins are known for their three-point shooting and opponents have matched them bomb for bomb (50 for and 50 against) this season. Perimeter defense must get better as they step up in competition.

While they yielded just nine triples during the LSU loss, the Bruins are allowing .357 of their opponents’ long-distance attempts to find the mark.

Perimeter D begins with Murphy. The league’s two-time Ohio Valley Conference ‘Defensive Player of the Year’ has collected 15 steals in five games, but he needs perimeter help. LSU’s starting guards Xavier Pinson (14 points) and Brandon Murray (15) sparked the win and combined to make five of seven three-point attempts.

Belmont didn’t have an answer for those two outstanding guards. Murray, an IMG Academy recruit, and Pinson, a Missouri transfer were outstanding and the Bruins could not contain them.

Belmont has held one of five opponents under 78 points. Their upcoming opponents will continue to put stress on the BU defense. Drake is averaging 86.3 points per game and the Bulldogs are converting .453 of their shots from long distance. Alabama is scoring at an 89-point clip and the undefeated (5-0) Iona Gaels are averaging 74.4.

Shoring up the defense is a key for this highly efficient offensive team to succeed.