Belmont takes down North Florida 83-69

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Kerron Johnson scored 16 points and Belmont beat North Florida 83-69 on Monday night.

Blake Jenkins had 15, Mick Hedgebeth 14 and Ian Clark 11 for the Bruins who shot 52 percent (30 of 58) from the field.

Belmont (16-7, 9-2 Atlantic Sun Conference) led the entire way, going up by as many as 16 in the first half and 18 in the second.

Despite losing the rebounding battle 35-32, Belmont played well defensively, forcing 16 turnovers and holding the Ospreys to 23 percent (3 of 13) from 3-point range.

The Bruins were 8 of 19 from deep.

Jerron Granberry led North Florida (11-12, 5-5) with 12 points while the Ospreys’ leading scorer, Parker Smith, was held to just six points on 2 of 8 shooting.

Belmont, which also beat North Florida 83-53 on Jan 2, has won three straight games and five of its last six.