NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Belmont Bruins secured the outright Missouri Valley Conference regular season championship on Saturday with an 87-70 victory over the Indiana State Sycamores, capping a dominant conference season and solidifying their position as the team to beat heading into the MVC Tournament. The win, Belmont’s 25th of the season against just four losses, was fueled by a strong performance off the bench from Jack Smiley, who scored 18 points.
Belmont controlled the game from the outset, taking the lead for good with 4:38 remaining in the first half. The Bruins entered halftime with a comfortable 39-25 advantage, a lead they would steadily build upon throughout the second half. The team’s consistent shooting – 51% from the field and 87% from the free-throw line – proved too much for Indiana State to overcome. This Belmont basketball victory marks a significant achievement for the program, demonstrating their continued success within the Missouri Valley Conference.
Smiley Sparks Belmont to Victory
Jack Smiley’s impact off the bench was pivotal for Belmont. The sophomore forward shot 6-for-11 from the field, including 1-of-5 from three-point range, and a perfect 5-for-5 from the free-throw line. His 18 points provided a crucial scoring boost for the Bruins. Drew Scharnowski added 14 points, efficiently shooting 6-of-7 from the field, while Tyler Lundblade contributed 11 points, hitting 3 of his 6 three-point attempts. The balanced scoring attack highlighted Belmont’s depth and versatility.
“Jack gave us a huge lift today,” said a team spokesperson after the game, as reported by Belmont Bruins. “He came in and provided an immediate spark, and his energy was contagious.”
Indiana State Struggles to Keep Pace
Despite a strong individual performance from Ian Scott, who led the Sycamores with 16 points and 11 rebounds, Indiana State struggled to discover consistent offense. Camp Wagner added 14 points, and Sterling Young too chipped in with 14, but it wasn’t enough to counter Belmont’s balanced attack. The Sycamores shot just 44% from the field and 30% from three-point range, hindering their ability to stay within striking distance.
Indiana State’s struggles were compounded by Belmont’s strong defensive effort, which limited the Sycamores’ opportunities and forced 13 turnovers. The Bruins capitalized on these miscues, converting them into straightforward points and extending their lead. The Sycamores now stand at 10-19 overall and 3-15 in MVC play.
MVC Championship Implications
Belmont’s victory not only secures the outright MVC regular season championship but also positions them as the favorite to win the upcoming MVC Tournament. Their impressive record of 25-4 overall and 15-3 in conference play demonstrates their dominance within the league. The Bruins will enter the tournament with a strong sense of momentum and confidence.
Here’s a look at the current MVC standings as of February 22, 2026:
| Team | Conf. Record | Overall Record |
|---|---|---|
| Belmont | 15-3 | 25-4 |
| Bradley | 12-6 | 19-10 |
| Murray State | 12-7 | 20-10 |
| UIC | 11-7 | 16-13 |
| Illinois State | 10-8 | 18-11 |
| Northern Iowa | 10-8 | 18-11 |
| Valparaiso | 10-8 | 16-13 |
| Southern Illinois | 8-10 | 14-15 |
| Drake | 6-12 | 12-17 |
| Indiana State | 3-15 | 10-19 |
| Evansville | 2-15 | 12-… |
The Belmont Bruins will look to carry this momentum into the postseason, aiming for an NCAA Tournament berth. The MVC Tournament is scheduled to begin on March 5th, with the championship game taking place on March 8th.
The next step for Belmont is preparation for the upcoming MVC Tournament. Fans can find more information about the tournament schedule and bracket on the official Missouri Valley Conference website. The team’s success this season has energized the Belmont community, and anticipation is high for a deep tournament run.
What do you think about Belmont’s chances in the MVC Tournament? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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