SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tyler Lundblade scored 22 points to lead Belmont to a 74-65 victory over Missouri State on Wednesday evening. Lundblade displayed outstanding form, hitting 8 of 12 shots from the field, including 6 of 9 from beyond the arc. His performance helped solidify Belmont's position with an overall record of 20-10 and 12-7 within the Missouri Valley Conference.
Following Lundblade's lead, Sam Orme contributed significantly, registering 15 points with 5 of 7 shooting. Jonathan Pierre also made his mark for the Bruins, finishing with 13 points on 5 of 12 shooting, including 3 of 9 from the three-point range. On the opposing side, Dez White led the Bears with 20 points, supported by Vincent Brady II's 18 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Michael Osei-Bonsu rounded out the scoring for Missouri State with 11 points and 10 rebounds. The Bears' record now stands at 9-21 and 2-17 in the conference.
Belmont took control of the game early, establishing the lead with 13:34 left in the first half and maintaining it through the end. At halftime, the Bruins were visibly strong, leading 34-24. Lundblade accelerated his scoring with 15 points during the second half, ensuring his team’s victory as they prepared for their next match against Murray State.
Meanwhile, four players from the New Orleans men's basketball team are under investigation for potential NCAA violations related to sports gambling. Players James White, Jah Short, Dae Dae Hunter, and Jamond Vincent have been suspended since late January, with the university only disclosing the suspensions were due to unspecified team rule violations. The Privateers have struggled without their key players, losing all eight games since the suspensions.
Insiders reported to ESPN's David Purdum of possible connections between the suspended players and a federal investigation involving sports betting on at least two New Orleans games this season. The allegations surfaced after bets related to the team were placed through accounts tied to the betting ring. The team's next scheduled game is against UT Rio Grande Valley on Saturday.
The situation at New Orleans parallels issues at Fresno State, where two key basketball players were suspended amid investigations for similar reasons. The Bulldogs' Jalen Weaver and Zaon Collins are currently sidelined as the university examines eligibility matters. Fresno State is experiencing its worst season ever, with the team already setting the school record for losses.
On the court, Duke's hopes were buoyed by news about guard Tyrese Proctor’s potential return. Coach Jon Scheyer confirmed Proctor suffered only a bone bruise to his left knee but no lasting damage, meaning he could return this season. Proctor, who finished the game against Miami with seven points, hobbled off late due to injury but managed to surpass the 1,000-point mark for his career.
“Basically, it’s about his pain tolerance, and it’s about his movement and strengthening,” Scheyer addressed the situation confidently, noting they would approach his rehabilitation cautiously. Duke stands strong at 25-3 and 16-1 within the ACC, maintaining first place as they gear up for the upcoming conference tournament.
Back at College Park, Maryland witnessed a thrilling finish when Tre Holloman of Michigan State hit a remarkable half-court buzzer-beater to seal their 58-55 win against Maryland. The Spartans’ coach Tom Izzo praised Holloman’s talent and the improvised training techniques leading to such unexpected triumphs.
“Every day at home, the night before a game, we have the guys go around. Everybody gets a shot at a half-court shot,” Izzo recounted, celebrating his team's inspired performance. Holloman’s winning shot, thrown from approximately 65 feet away, brought back memories of the Spartans' previous buzzer-beater success against Maryland years before.
Despite moments of apparent concern during the game leading to potential overtime, Michigan State managed to secure the win. Izzo attributed the victory to their preparedness and willingness to seize the moment. Maryland’s coach Kevin Willard acknowledged the difficulty of defending against such last-minute heroics.
These college basketball games showcase the deep intensity and the unpredictability often seen on the court. Teams are not just vying for wins; they are fighting against odds both on and off the court.