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Men's Basketball

Blazers Pull Away from AUM for Key SSAC Win

Box Score
JACKSON, Miss.-The Belhaven men's basketball team turned a 36-34 halftime lead into an 81-70 win, pulling away for a Southern States Athletic Conference victory Thursday night over Auburn University-Montgomery in Rugg Arena. Thanks to the win, the Blazers control fourth place in the SSAC West standings.

Auburn-Montgomery had the upper hand in the early moments of the game maintaining the lead for the first 10 minutes of action. With the exception of the opening basket which was tossed in by Belhaven's Brittion Smith, the Warhawks controlled the scoreboard until a jumper by senior Daryl Arnold with 9:55 on the clock put the Blazers back in front 18-17. The lead didn't last long as AUM battled back to take a 22-19 edge on a triple by Marques Brooks with just over eight minutes to go until halftime.

Belhaven then kicked off a run that would change the complexion of the contest when junior Andrew Marshall brought the Blazers to within one at 22-21. Marshall's basket ignited a 12-2 scoring burst that put Belhaven up 31-24 with 3:56 to go until the break. AUM was able to trim the score to 36-34 at the break and knotted the game at 36 all to open the second half. However, the Blazers countered with two free throws from senior Woodie Howard in the opening minute of the final frame and from that point on Belhaven would not relinquish the lead the rest of the night.

Belhaven (7-11, 2-5 SSAC) had five players in double figures, led by Howard with a season high 20 points. Senior Brittion Smith followed with 15, Arnold tossed in 14, Marshall posted 12, and junior Jordan Butts added 10 points off the bench. Marshall produced a game high eight rebounds for the Blazers and Butts dished out six assists. Belhaven had a good night shooting from the field canning 29 of 62 shots (46.8%). The Blazers hit 19 of their 28 free throws and had the transition game in high gear scoring 18 points on fast breaks. Belhaven dominated the glass outrebounding the Warhawks 40-26. Nineteen of those rebounds were on the offensive end of the floor leading to 19 second chance points.

Auburn-Montgomery (3-11, 1-6 SSAC) was led by Michael Lee with 18 points trailed by Marquez Brooks and A.J. Ansley who each had 16 points. Lee also had a team high five rebounds and added three assists. The Warhawks shot just over 49 percent from the field (26-53) and were 13 for 18 at the free throw line (72.2%).

Belhaven will take the court again on Saturday as they head to the University of Mobile for another SSAC West contest beginning at 7:00 PM.
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