Belmont holds off Valparaiso 85-81

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Evan Bradds scored 24 of his 26 points after intermission and Craig Bradshaw converted 5 of 6 from the line in the final minute as Belmont held off Valparaiso, 85-81 Monday night.

Valparaiso got within a point of the lead at 80-79 with 19 seconds left when Tevonn Walker knocked down a three-pointer, but Bradshaw converted a pair of free throws and Bradds did the same to give Belmont an 84-79 advantage with seven seconds to play.

Bradds was 11 of 17 from the floor, scoring almost at will inside in the second half, and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Bruins (8-6). Bradshaw scored 21 points and converted 9 of 10 from the free throw line, and Taylor Barnette added 16 points.

Shane Hammink scored 19 points off the bench to lead Valparaiso (10-3). Keith Carter finished with 16 points and Alec Peters, Walker and David Skara each added 13.