Belmont Aims to Extend Dominant Season Against Struggling Evansville NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — A stark contrast in fortunes will be on display Wednesday when the surging Belmont Bruins host the reeling Evansville Purple Aces in a Missouri Valley Conference men’s basketball game at Curb Events Center. The Bruins (25-4), among the nation’s winningest teams, enter the matchup riding a wave of success. They have won 10 of their last 11 games, including an 87-70 victory over Indiana State on Saturday. Belmont’s high-powered offense, which has scored 90 or more points seven times this season, is led by guard Jack Smiley. The standout junior averages 16.3 points in his last six games, highlighted by a 21-point performance at Murray State on Feb. 15. Conversely, Evansville (6-22) has lost 10 of its last 11, including a 75-88 defeat at Murray State last Saturday. The Purple Aces’ season has been defined by offensive struggles, having been held under 65 points in 14 games. Their lone bright spot in recent weeks has been the play of guard AJ Casey, who is averaging 15.1 points over his last eight contests. Casey erupted for 28 points in Evansville’s last win, an 88-80 victory over Illinois State on Feb. 9. Belmont won the first meeting this season, 83-78, at Evansville on Dec. 16. For the Bruins, this game represents a critical opportunity to bolster their NCAA Tournament resume and conference standing. For the Purple Aces, it is another daunting challenge in a season full of them, tasked with slowing one of the MVC’s most efficient offenses on the road. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST Wednesday. Belmont’s next game is at Illinois State on March 1. Evansville hosts Valparaiso on Feb. 28.