Lundblade's 24 lead Belmont past UIC 68-62

February 7, 2026 - 11:02

A game-high 24 points from Tyler Lundblade propelled the Belmont Bruins to a hard-fought 68-62 road victory against the UIC Flames on Friday night. The contest remained closely contested throughout, requiring clutch plays down the stretch to secure the win.

Belmont established a narrow lead by halftime and managed to maintain it against persistent challenges from the Flames' defense. While Lundblade's scoring was the central story, a balanced supporting effort proved crucial. The Bruins' defense tightened in critical moments, forcing difficult shots and securing key rebounds to limit UIC's opportunities.

UIC mounted several rallies in the second half, closing the gap on multiple occasions. However, timely responses from Belmont, including crucial baskets and defensive stops, prevented the Flames from ever reclaiming the lead. The final minutes saw Belmont execute effectively under pressure, converting free throws to seal the six-point margin.

The victory provides a significant boost for Belmont as they navigate conference play. The team demonstrated resilience in a challenging road environment, relying on veteran leadership and a collective effort to emerge victorious. For UIC, the narrow loss highlights a competitive performance that ultimately fell short against a disciplined opponent.