Bradshaw, Barnette combine for 49 points to help Belmont beat Denver 78-57

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Craig Bradshaw and Taylor Barnette combined for 49 points to lead Belmont past Denver 78-57 on Wednesday.

Bradshaw made 9 of 19 shots, including four 3-pointers, and finished with 28 points. Barnette hit five shots from behind the arc and had 21.

The duo was also 10 of 11 from the free throw line as Belmont (5-1) made 90 percent of its 32 free throw attempts, compared to 9 of 14 for Denver.

Nate Engesser made seven of his eight 3-point attempts and finished with a career-high 26 points for Denver (2-2). Marcus Byrd added 10.

Belmont built a 34-16 lead by halftime after holding Denver to 5-of-20 shooting. Bradshaw scored 12 and Barnette had 11 in the first half.

Brett Olson scored five points during Denver's 9-2 run to open the second half. But Bradshaw and Barnette scored 12 straight for Belmont to push ahead 48-33 with 12:40 left.