Belmont pummels struggling Lipscomb by 32 — and it wasn’t that close

Nashville, TN — The Battle of the Boulevard between the Belmont Bruins and Lipscomb Lady Bisons has always been one of the most iconic nights in the Nashville area.

And on Monday night, the 74th matchup between these two was no exception, as Belmont (8-2) put on a clinic in a 91-59 victory over Lipscomb (2-7).

From the moment these women stepped foot onto the court, there was a wave of intense aggressiveness taking over Allen Arena.

These two prestigious schools are roughly two miles away from each other and this game was definitely one that fans had been anticipating all season. It was no surprise these women played with everything they had to offer on Monday.

Belmont's Darby Maggard came in hot, draining a three to start the game. Maggard utilized her small frame and was able to weave through the Lady Bisons with ease, aiding in her in whipping out a total of 22 points by the conclusion of the contest.

Not to be out-shined by her teammate, Kylee Smith played a huge role in the first two periods as well. From the tip, Smith’s face told it all — she was in “game mode.” The Lady Bisons could not find an answer for the two as Belmont pulled further and further away.

The Bruins untouchable duo owned the first and second periods behind Smith’s 14 points and eight from Maggard entering intermission.

Leaving the first half of this match-up trailing 47-31, the game wasn’t looking too promising for Lipscomb. Leading her team, sophomore Lauren Rau was keeping the momentum at a maximum high. She wasn’t going to let a 21-point lead by the Bruins dampen her day in the middle of the third.

The Lady Bisons had found a way to slow down Smith, holding her to only three points in the third and fourth, however, while she went cold, more players started warming up for Belmont, extending its lead over Lipscomb.

Ultimately, the fight put up by Rau and Loren Cagle (15 points, three assists) just wasn’t enough to decrease the large point deficit created by Belmont. The Bruins took home a 32-point victory 91-59, coming out on top for the ninth consecutive year in the Battle of the Boulevard.

Six Bruins notched double figures in scoring, led by Maggard (22) and Smith (17). Sierra Jones added her own 12, while Jenny Roy and Maddie Wright tallied 10 and 12, respectively.

Lipscomb was also out-rebounded 44-30 and lost the assist battle 16-12.

Belmont will face off against Central Arkansas on Dec. 14, while Lipscomb will host Alabama on Thursday night.