Box Score
PULASKI, Tn.-The Belhaven men's basketball team didn't have enough firepower to overcome 5th ranked Martin Methodist College losing on the road 92-77 Tuesday night. The Blazers had their best night on offense so far this season hitting 46.2 percent of their field goals, but couldn't keep up with the Redhawks who hit 53.1 percent of their shots from the field.

Belhaven (1-4) opened the night by rolling out to an 18-9 lead at the 13:29 mark of the first half after Terence Stringfellow tossed in a bucket off an assist by Daryl Arnold. The bucket forced Martin Methodist (5-1) to take a timeout and out of the break the Redhawks began to mount their comeback. Laquantis Stewart initiated a 16-2 Martin Methodist run with a free throw and then Marlon Williams hit a triple with 11:53 to go until halftime to cut the Blazer lead to 18-13.

Martin Methodist caught up to Belhaven at the 10:32 juncture on a field goal from the hand of EJ Kirby which knotted the score at 20-20. It was the fifth and final time the score would be tied the rest of the night. Following a Blazer turnover, Williams filled up another triple to give the Redhawks the lead for good 23-20 with 9:12 remaining until halftime. Martin Methodist extended the advantage to 54-33 at the intermission and then led by as many as 26 points in the second half. Belhaven fought back to within 12 points at 79-67 with just under two minutes to play on a free throw and field goal by Andrew Marshall. Unfortunately, the Redhawks shutdown the comeback bid and held on for the 92-77 win.

Arnold had a big night leading Belhaven in points and rebounds tossing in a season high 19 points while also grabbing a season best nine rebounds. Arnold made 9 of his 17 field goal attempts which produced a 52.9 percent shooting night from the floor. Marshall ended the game with 17 points off the bench and was 7 of 10 from the field followed by Woodie Howard who was the third Blazer to reach double figures with 15 points.

Belhaven went 30 for 65 from the floor as a team, made 20 percent of their triples (3-15), and 60.9 percent of their free throws (14-23). The Blazers were outrebounded 37-31 and committed 21 turnovers in the game.

Martin Methodist received an outstanding performance from Laquantis Stewart who sent home a game high 27 points and 12 rebounds for the double double. Ree McCrory chipped in with 17 points and Williams finished the contest with 15 points off the bench. James Justice had four assists and nine points in the game. The Redhawks were 34 of 64 from the field, dialed in 45 percent of their three point shots (9-20) and converted 65.2 percent of their free throws (15-23). Martin Methodist had 20 turnovers in the game, but took advantage of Belhaven's miscues converting them into 30 points.

Belhaven will be back in action on Friday at Emmanuel College (GA) in the Southern States Athletic Conference opener beginning at 7:30 PM. The Blazers will then head to 20th ranked Southern Polytechnic State University (GA) on Saturday at 3:00 PM.