MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (Interstat) — A surging Belmont squad looks to rebound from its first loss when it visits Middle Tennessee in a nonconference men’s basketball clash Sunday at Murphy Athletics Center. The Bruins (8-1) saw their eight-game win streak snapped Wednesday in an 84-76 home loss to Richmond. They now face a Blue Raiders team (5-3) coming off a convincing 76-61 victory over UAB on Monday. Belmont’s early success has been fueled by efficient offense and the dynamic play of guard Nic McClain. Over his last five games, McClain is averaging 13.2 points, 6.6 assists and 5.0 rebounds, including a near triple-double with 12 points, 9 rebounds and 11 assists in a win at College of Charleston on Nov. 30. He scored 19 points in the loss to Richmond. Middle Tennessee counters with its own standout in forward Torey Alston, who is coming off a 19-point performance against UAB. Alston has scored in double figures in four of his last five contests, including a 26-point outing in a 90-87 win over Murray State on Nov. 23. The Blue Raiders have shown resilience at home, boasting a 4-1 record in Murfreesboro this season. Their defense will be tested by a Belmont offense that, prior to the Richmond game, had scored 87 or more points in five straight wins and leads the nation in assists per game. For Belmont, this game begins a tough stretch of four road contests in its next five games. Middle Tennessee views this as a key opportunity to add a quality win to its resume before opening Conference USA play next month. Tipoff is scheduled for Sunday afternoon. The Bruins will look to re-establish their winning form, while the Blue Raiders aim to build momentum and hand Belmont a second consecutive defeat.