Box Score
Jackson, MS-The Belhaven women's basketball team used a strong first half in route to their second win of the season defeating Wesley College Tuesday night 76-54. The Lady Blazers are now 2-0 to begin the 2008-2009 campaign. The Lady Warriors are now 0-2 to begin the year.

 

Belhaven never trailed in Tuesday's game as they jumped out of the gate strong on a three point shot by Holly Dial to begin the game. Wesley would keep the game close through the first five minutes trailing by only four 12-8 at the 14:43 mark of the first half. The Lady Blazers then owned an eight point lead with about 8:51 to go in the first 20 minutes. At that point Belhaven put together a 17-2 run to take a commanding lead at halftime 38-15.

 

Two Lady Blazers reached double figures in the scoring column during the first half. Jira Williams led the team with 12 first half points followed by Mallory Hammack with 10. Williams also hauled in seven first half rebounds to pace the Lady Blazers in that category. As team, Belhaven knocked down 42 percent of their field goals including a sizzling 71 percent from three point land. Belhaven did struggle at the free throw line shooting just 27 percent in the opening period.

 

Although the Lady Warriors never challenged for the lead in the second half, Belhaven struggled to build on the advantage they had at halftime. That's due in part to Wesley getting to the free throw line 22 times in the second half. Fortunately, they were unable to take advantage as they hit just 14 of the freebees. Belhaven's defense was effective the entire game as they forced 36 Lady Warrior turnovers including 18 in the second half.

 

Individually, Jira Williams had a big night with a game high 19 points and 11 rebounds in route to a double double. Three other Lady Blazers scored in double figures with Jaelyn Stringer pouring in 18 points followed by Mallory Hammack with 13 points and Holly Dial with 12 points. Stringer and Williams each came away with six steals as well. As a team, the Lady Blazers shot 45 percent from the field and finished with a 50 percent shooting percentage from behind the three point line.