NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Kerron Johnson scored 26 points to lead Belmont to a 78-71 win over Jacksonville State on Saturday in the regular-season finale for both teams.
Blake Jenkins finished with 14 points for the Bruins (24-6, 14-2 Ohio Valley Conference), who won their fourth straight game. Ian Clark had 13 points and Trevor Noack added 11 points.
Belmont controlled much of the first half and never trailed after halftime. Jacksonville State cut the score to 47-45 on Ronnie Boggs' 3-pointer with 14:34 left in the second half, but the Bruins answered with a run of their own.
Clark's 3-pointer capped an 11-3 run for Belmont, giving it a 10-point advantage with 10:51 left to play. Jacksonville State cut the deficit to seven points, but did not pose much of a threat.
Tarvin Gaines scored 19 points for the Gamecocks (17-11, 8-8). Boggs, Darion Rackley and Brian Williams each had 13 points.
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