Belmont men's basketball beats Southern Indiana 72-54 in Bradds' debut
Jack Smiley scored a career-high 24 points as the Bruins opened the season with a win. Centre visits Thursday.
NASHVILLE - Belmont beat Southern Indiana 72-54 in its men's basketball season opener Monday, Nov. 2, at the Curb Event Center, according to the Belmont Athletics recap and box score. The game was Evan Bradds' official debut as head coach.
Jack Smiley scored a career-high 24 points on 10-of-18 shooting, 19 of them in the second half, and added four assists. Bez Jenkins had 10 points and four rebounds, and Isaiah West grabbed a career-high eight rebounds.
Belmont led wire to wire and was up 27-14 at halftime after holding Southern Indiana to 6-of-30 first-half shooting. The Bruins shot 52 percent for the game, the school says. Kaden Brown led Southern Indiana (0-1) with 12 points.
Belmont (1-0) hosts Centre on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 6:30 p.m. Central at the Curb Event Center.
Source: Belmont Athletics recap and box score, Nov. 2, 2026 (Defense Powers Men's Basketball Past Southern Indiana).