Kerron Johnson scored 22 points to lead all five Belmont starters in double figures as the Bruins defeated crosstown rival Lipscomb 89-60 in the season opener for both teams.
Belmont never trailed in the ''Battle of the Boulevard,'' with Ian Clark adding 19 points, J.J. Mann 17, Trevor Noack 11 and Blake Jenkins 10.
After Deonte Alexander, who led the Bisons with 14 points, hit a 3-pointer to make it 12-10, the Bruins pulled away. Mann capped a 7-0 run with a 3-pointer en route to a 42-26 halftime lead.
Belmont shot 50 percent for the game (29 of 58) while holding Lipscomb to 38.9 percent (21 of 54) and forcing 25 turnovers.
Lipscomb got within 12 points twice in the second half, but could get no closer in the 131st contest between the schools.
Carter Sanderson added 13 points and Khion Sankey added 11 for the Bisons.
