Freshman J.J. Mann had a career-high 12 points and nine rebounds to lead Belmont in a 71-44 rout of Winthrop on Tuesday in the NIT Season Tip-Off.
The Bruins (3-1) outrebounded the Eagles 54-36, thanks to 10 rebounds apiece from Mick Hedgepeth and Scott Saunders, who just missed double-doubles by scoring nine points each.
Belmont had 15 of its 24 offensive rebounds in the first half, jumping out to a 14-4 lead in the first 4:41 and leading 36-21 at the break.
Winthrop (2-3) closed to 36-30 to open the second half, sparked by four points from Matt Morgan. Belmont quickly pushed the lead back into double digits, holding the Eagles scoreless from the 14:15 mark until Robbie Dreher hit a free throw with 7:20 left.
The Bruins outshot Winthrop 38 percent (27 of 71) to 32 percent (16 of 50).
Morgan, who scored 14 points, was the only Eagles player in double figures.
