Belmont's Risky Three-Point Gamble Secures Nail-Biting Win Over UIC!

The air in the arena on February 6, 2026, crackled with the usual tension of a college basketball game. Yet, beneath the surface of the Belmont Bruins' 68-62 win over the UIC Flames, lies a series of statistical oddities and performance patterns that demand a closer look. While the scoreboard declared a victor, a critical examination of the game's details reveals a narrative far more complex than a simple win-loss record. We are left to ponder: was this a testament to clutch performance, or a reflection of broader trends in how games are won and lost, particularly when it comes to seemingly small margins and individual heroics?

The official reports paint a picture of a hard-fought contest, with Tyler Lundblade emerging as the star for Belmont, his scoring seemingly pivotal in securing the victory. However, a deeper dive into the raw play-by-play data from ESPN suggests a more chaotic, almost desperate, reliance on three-point shooting and free throws, particularly from Lundblade, as the game wore on.

A Statistical Scrutiny of the Final Minutes

The reported final score of 68-62 is concise, but the actual flow of points often tells a more revealing story. When we dissect the final minutes, or indeed the entire game, based on the exhaustive play-by-play log, certain patterns emerge that raise eyebrows.

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• Belmont's Late-Game Strategy: Was Belmont relying on the three-point shot and free throws as a primary offensive weapon, or did this become a necessity due to defensive pressure or an inability to execute closer to the basket?

• UIC's Defensive Effort: How effective was UIC's defense in the crucial moments? Did they tighten up, forcing difficult shots, or did they falter, leaving opportunities for Belmont's key players?

Looking at the detailed play-by-play from ESPN, the sequence of events in the latter stages of the game provides a fascinating insight:

• Tyler Lundblade making a 23-foot three-point jumper (assisted by Brigham Rogers)

• Tyler Lundblade making a 25-foot three-pointer (assisted by Jack Smiley)

• Tyler Lundblade making free throws 1 of 3, 2 of 3, and 3 of 3

• Tyler Lundblade making a 24-foot three-point step back jumper (assisted by Sam Orme)

• Elijah Crawford making a driving layup (assisted by Ahmad Henderson II)

• Elijah Crawford making free throws 1 of 2 and 2 of 2

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This cluster of successful plays by Lundblade – a mix of crucial threes and clutch free throws – is presented as the decisive factor. But what does this truly signify? Did Lundblade rise to the occasion, or did the game situation force him into these high-variance shot attempts?

The Three-Point Conundrum: A Risky Gamble?

The data highlights an almost relentless pursuit of the three-point shot by both teams, but particularly by Belmont's key players. For a team aiming for a consistent victory, is this reliance on long-range bombs a sign of offensive versatility, or a vulnerability waiting to be exploited?

• This table highlights numerous successful three-point shots. How many missed three-point attempts were there from these same players? A significant number of missed long-range shots could suggest a risky offensive strategy that narrowly paid off.

• Were these shots taken out of necessity, or were they a part of a pre-determined offensive game plan? What does this say about the coaching strategy?

• The summary from WRALSportsFan.com states Lundblade scored 24 points, with 11 in the second half, and 13 in the first half. This indicates a consistent offensive output. However, the play-by-play shows a significant portion of his scoring coming from beyond the arc. Was his mid-range game or interior presence as effective, or underutilized?

The sheer volume of three-point attempts and makes by multiple players, particularly Lundblade, suggests a potential over-reliance on this high-variance scoring method. While it led to a win, it raises questions about offensive adaptability and sustainability.

The Ghost of Missed Opportunities: Free Throws and Layups

Beyond the made shots, the play-by-play log is replete with missed opportunities: layups, dunks, and crucially, free throws. These "easier" points left on the table can often be the difference between a comfortable win and a nail-biter.

• Rashund Washington Jr. missed a layup and multiple free throws.

• Abdul Momoh missed layups and an alley-oop dunk.

• Elijah Crawford missed numerous layups and jump shots, though he did convert crucial free throws late.

• Drew Scharnowski missed a free throw.

• Sam Orme missed free throws and layups.

• Jabez Jenkins missed layups.

Were these missed opportunities due to strong defense from UIC, or a lack of composure and execution from Belmont's players? What does this suggest about the pressure of the game, or the training regimen?

• The free throw performance is particularly noteworthy. Multiple players for both teams left points at the charity stripe.

• Rashund Washington Jr.: 1 of 2 free throws missed.

• Drew Scharnowski: 1 of 2 free throws missed.

• Ahmad Henderson II: 1 of 2 free throws missed (twice), and 1 of 3 free throws missed.

• Sam Orme: 1 of 2 free throws missed (twice).

• Josiah Hammons: Missed 1 of 1, made 1 of 2, made 1 of 2.

• Mekhi Lowery: 1 of 2 free throws missed.

• Elijah Crawford: Missed 1 of 2 free throws (twice), made 1 of 2, made 1 of 2.

• Tyler Lundblade: Made 1 of 1, Made 1 of 3, Made 2 of 3, Made 3 of 3, Made 1 of 2, Made 2 of 2.

• Isaiah West: Missed 1 of 1, Made 1 of 2, Missed 1 of 2.

The abundance of missed layups and free throws by both sides suggests a game where execution faltered under pressure, transforming a potentially more comfortable victory into a tense, close contest. This raises questions about the mental fortitude and clutch performance of the players involved.

Beyond the Box Score: Context and Underlying Trends

While this specific game between Belmont and UIC is the immediate focus, it's worth considering the broader context of college basketball. Games often hinge on such fine margins.

• The Role of Referees: The presence of three referees (Randy Heimerman, Deldre Carr, John Jenkins Jr.) is standard. Were there any controversial calls that significantly impacted the game's momentum? Without access to a play-by-play breakdown of fouls and referee decisions, it's hard to say.

• Statistical Anomalies: Is Lundblade's performance typical, or was this a breakout game? The ESPN UK link (Article 6) shows highlights of Lundblade making "long 3-pointers" and "show[ing] off the range," suggesting a history of deep shooting. However, the sheer volume of critical makes in this specific game, as detailed in the play-by-play, warrants scrutiny.

• UIC's Missed Chances: UIC scored 62 points. How many of those points were within their control that they failed to convert? With 13 points from Mekhi Lowery and other contributions, they were in a position to win. What adjustments could they have made in the final minutes to secure the victory?

The game between Belmont and UIC, while resulting in a win for Belmont, serves as a microcosm of the unpredictable nature of college basketball. It highlights how individual performances, strategic choices (like heavy reliance on three-pointers), and the execution of fundamental plays (like free throws and layups) can all contribute to a razor-thin margin of victory.

Conclusion: A Victory Built on a Tightrope

Belmont's victory over UIC, spearheaded by Tyler Lundblade's crucial second-half scoring, appears to be a testament to resilience and timely execution. However, a critical look at the play-by-play data reveals a game characterized by a heavy reliance on three-point shooting and a surprising number of missed opportunities at the free-throw line and closer to the basket.

The narrative of Lundblade's "24 lead" is accurate in terms of his point total, but the method of scoring – a significant chunk from beyond the arc and clutch free throws – suggests a strategy that, while effective on this occasion, is inherently high-risk. UIC, despite their efforts, also left points on the board, unable to fully capitalize on Belmont's struggles with execution.

Moving forward, the question remains:

• Can Belmont replicate this success with such a pronounced reliance on the three-point shot, or will opposing teams devise strategies to counter it?

• What lessons can UIC take from this game regarding defensive pressure and capitalizing on their own opportunities, especially from the free-throw line?

• How much did luck play a role in Belmont's successful three-point attempts, versus pure skill and a well-executed game plan?

This win, while celebrated, may hold deeper lessons about the fine margins that define victory in college basketball. It's a reminder that while the scoreboard tells one story, the granular details often reveal a more nuanced and perhaps more precarious path to success.

Sources:

1. ESPN: Belmont 68-62 UIC (Feb 6, 2026) Final Score. https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game//gameId/401830211

2. WRALSportsFan.com: Lundblade's 24 lead Belmont past UIC 68-62. https://www.wralsportsfan.com/lundblades-24-lead-belmont-past-uic-68-62/22317619/

3. ESPN PH: Belmont 68-62 UIC (7 Feb, 2026) Game Recap. https://www.espn.ph/mens-college-basketball/recap//gameId/401830211

4. Sofascore: UIC Flames vs Belmont scores & predictions. https://www.sofascore.com/basketball/match/uic-flames-belmont-bruins/iXuskKJ

5. CBSSports: Belmont Bruins News, Scores and Stats 2025-26. https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/BELMONT/belmont-bruins/

6. ESPN UK: Tyler Lundblade - Belmont Bruins Guard - ESPN. https://www.espn.co.uk/mens-college-basketball/player//id/4683944/tyler-lundblade

7. ESPN Africa: Belmont 68-62 UIC (7 Feb, 2026) Video Highlights. https://africa.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/video//gameId/401830211

8. MVC Sports: MVC Men's Basketball Weekly Notebook. https://mvc-sports.com/news/2026/1/5/mvc-mens-basketball-weekly-notebook.aspx