Box Score
Florence, MS-The Belhaven men’s basketball team opened the 2009-10 campaign with a strong offensive showing at Wesley College Saturday afternoon taking home a 102-95 win over the Warriors. The Blazers grabbed an early lead only to see Wesley battle back to take a second half advantage before Belhaven put together a late second half surge to secure the win.
The Blazers didn’t waste anytime getting on the board as just six seconds into the game Rob Wallace converted a field goal off an assist by Larell Bailey to put Belhaven on top 2-0. The Blazers expanded the lead to 13-5 with 16:18 left on the first half clock following a pair of free throws by Bobby Grier. Belhaven continued to maintain an eight point lead at 21-13 with just under 13 minutes to go in the first half after a couple of free throws by Detrick Johnson.
The Warriors then stepped up their game by engineering a 12-3 run over the next two minutes to take the lead at 25-24 with 9:37 to go in the first half. Jeff Patterson made two free throws giving Wesley their first lead since the opening two minutes of play. Belhaven responded with a 13-5 run of their own too regain the edge at 37-30 with just over five minutes left in the opening period. The game proved to be a back and forth battle as the Warriors eventually took the lead back on a three pointer by Patterson at the buzzer sending Wesley into the locker room with a 48-47 lead.
The Warriors largest lead came with 18:15 to play in the contest following a three point basket by Kedrick Taylor which boosted the Warrior lead to four at 53-49. With the score knotted at 75-75 and 9:21 showing on the clock, Belhaven went on a 23-8 run over the next six minutes to put some distance between themselves and the Warriors. When the dust had settled, the Blazers enjoyed a 15 point advantage at 98-83 with just over three minutes to go.
Wesley tried to mount a comeback and got to within seven points at 99-92, but Belhaven got some key free throws from Rob Wallace and Woodie Howard to help maintain the edge. Belhaven led by 10 at 102-92 with 10 seconds left and a last second three pointer by Johnny Stringer of Wesley made the final score 102-95.
The Blazers had five players reach double figures in scoring led by Rob Wallace who had 16 points and six assists. Larell Bailey and Tensley Cowan finished the game with 15 points each followed by Woodie Howard with 14 points and Nathaniel Roche’ with 12 points. Roche and Cowan had doubles Saturday afternoon with 12 and 11 rebounds respectively. Belhaven knocked down 54 percent of their field goals, 40 percent of their three pointers, and 64 percent of their 50 free throw opportunities. The Blazers owned the boards with a 49-38 edge in the rebounding department. Belhaven turned it over 29 times compared to 20 turnovers by Wesley College.
The Warriors also had five players reach double figures in scoring led by Sandro Norris and Derrius Nelson with 14 points each. Jamal Evans had 13 points while Johnny Stringer and Randy Perkins each chipped in with 12 points. Evans ended up leading the Warriors in rebounding with five total boards on the night. Wesley connected on 36.8 percent of their shots, 38.7 percent of their three pointers, and converted 70.4 percent of their free throws.
Belhaven will return to the court on Thursday night as they travel to Blue Mountain College for a non-conference battle with the Toppers. The opening tip-off is slated for 7:30 PM.