The sports department of the Vision is on the road this week with the basketball teams so this week’s edition of Bruin Blitz is coming to you in written form. Due to Spring Break, we’ll be bringing you two weeks worth of sports coverage this week so let’s get started. Leading off with hoops, both teams wrapped up their conference tournaments March 4 and 5. The women dominated SIUE in the semifinals 92-68 and blew out Eastern Kentucky 95-63 to capture their second NCAA automat

Belmont, I’m really proud of you. I know that’s not something I say very often, but I am. When our men’s basketball team was slated to host the second round of the National Invitational Tournament at the Curb Event Center last Friday, I didn’t expect you to show up. Most of my experiences covering games have been pretty predictable. The pep band brings the snark, Greek life brings the sweater vests, and if there’s time between post-game interviews, I’ll chat with the superfan

Belmont’s National Invitation Tournament game against Robert Morris University last Friday was a memorable game, made even more so by the special performance given by Bruiser the Bruin during halftime. His dance routine was special for many obvious reasons–his moves being the main one–but it was especially unique for a reason many in the audience may not have even realized. It was his last. The man inside Bruiser’s suit is scheduled to graduate this May, after which he will s

Despite being ranked 2nd nationally in field goal percentage, Belmont’s offense was unable to overcome a Clemson team who shot a season-high 10 threes in a 73-68 third round National Invitational Tournament loss. “It was a great basketball game, it’s a shame for us. They made the plays to win it, I can’t say much else. I don’t think our kids have ever played harder,” Bruins coach Rick Byrd said. With the win, Clemson earned a spot in the NIT Final Four at Madison Square Garde

For the first time in program history, the Belmont men’s basketball team earned a victory in the NIT postseason with a 85-70 win over the Horizon League regular season champion Green Bay Phoenix Tuesday evening. “It’s a big win for our kids. It’s a nice addendum to a tough loss in the OVC tournament,” said Belmont coach Rick Byrd. “It gives us something to get excited and positive about and look forward to hosting a game.” Craig Bradshaw led the way in scoring for the Bruins

Despite taking the Ohio Valley Conference regular season title, the Belmont Bruins were unable to give senior guard and OVC player of the year JJ Mann his fourth consecutive conference title in a 79-73 loss against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels. “It stinks. I appreciate what they’re going through. When you get a taste of it, there’s nothing like it. It hurts,” coach Rick Byrd said. With the win, EKU notched the OVC’s automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. The Bruins got off to