Box Score
Jackson, Ms-The Belhaven women's basketball team fell to Xavier University of New Orleans 54-45 in Rugg Arena on Thursday night. The Blazers drop to an overall record of 13-11 and 4-9 in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference. The Gold Nuggets, who are ranked 21st in the latest NAIA Division I Top 25 Poll improved their overall mark to 12-5 and remain undefeated in the GCAC with a perfect 13-0 record.

Xavier took the early lead on a jumper by Jazmone' Kelly with 18:22 on the clock. However, the Blazers answered by with a lay up by Brittany Carr assisted by Jessica Barlow. Belhaven then took a two point lead at 4-2 on a layup by Jira Williams with just over 17 minutes to go in the opening half. It would prove to be the largest lead that the Blazers would enjoy the entire night.

Xavier answered with a layup by Brittany Powell which tied the game up 4-4 with 15:42 remaining in the first half. With 10:34 on the clock, the Blazers took their last lead of the half at 8-7 on a layup by Octavia Mullins. The Gold Nuggets held onto the lead for the rest of the half. Xavier built their biggest advantage of the opening half of seven points at 22-15 heading into the locker room.

The second half of the contest was dominated by the Gold Nuggets. Xavier connected on an outside jumper by Danielle Kennebrew off an assist from Powell making the score 24-15 with 18:54 left in the contest. The Blazers closed to within two points of Xavier at 25-23 with 16:52 on the clock thanks to a layup by Mullins. However, the Gold Nuggets pushed the lead to 13 points on a field goal by Powell making the score 44-31 with 5:08 left to play.

With 28 seconds left in the game, the Blazers cut Xavier's lead down to five points making the score 50-45. However, the Gold Nuggets, Jazmon Kelly made a pair of free throws and a layup increased Xavier's lead as they closed out the game for the 54-45 win.

Brittany Carr had 12 points to pace the Blazer offense followed by Mullins who had a double double with 10 points and 13 rebounds. On the defensive side of the ball, Carr lead the team with six steals. Belhaven shot 30.4 percent from the field, 20 percent from the three point line, and went 9-15 from the free throw line which equates to a conversion rate of 60 percent.

The Gold Nugget offense was anchored by Brittany Powell with a game high 11 points. LaTashia Wise tossed in 10 points off the bench for Xavier.

Belhaven returns home again to face SUNO in another GCAC matchup on Saturday against SUNO. The tip-off in Rugg arena is scheduled for 5:00 PM.