Box Score
JACKSON, Miss.-The Belhaven women's basketball team suffered a 56-46 loss at the hands of cross town rival Tougaloo College Friday night in Rugg Arena. The Blazers, who are battling a number of injuries to key players, weren't able to get into a rhythm as the Bulldogs eventually pulled away in the second half for the 10 point win.

Belhaven (1-2) jumped out to a quick lead scoring the first two baskets of the contest. Erika Leflore tallied the first two points on a layup and then Alisha Rayborn drilled a jumper to make it a 4-0 game. Tougaloo came storming back with a 12-1 run resulting in a 12-5 lead at the 13:16 mark of the first half. The Blazers closed the gap back to one point at 20-19 with just under two minutes to play on a layup by Kara Bland, but the Bulldogs pushed the lead to 25-21 at the break. Antonekia Williams gave the Blazers some momentum going into the locker room with a layup right before the buzzer.

The boost of energy carried over into the first four minutes of the second frame as Belhaven engineered a 7-1 run to regain the lead at 28-26. Rayborn capped the scoring burst on a layup that was setup by a Tougaloo turnover. Unfortunately, the next 12 minutes were dominated by Bulldogs who established control of the contest on the strength of a 22-6 run that ended on a layup by CalNitra White. White's basket gave Tougaloo its biggest lead of the night at 48-34 with just over four minutes to go. Belhaven could get no closer than six points the rest of the way.

Leflore ended the game with a team high 11 points and nine rebounds, just missing a double double for Belhaven. Rayborn added seven points, eight boards, and four assists. The Blazers hurt themselves at times with turnovers and free throw shooting. Belhaven committed 20 turnovers and went 5 of 19 from the charity stripe.

Tougaloo had three players reach double figures in scoring led by Kierra Addison with 13 points and six assists. Portia Craft chipped in 12 points and Chasity Kearney recorded a double double on 11 points and 10 rebounds. The Bulldogs turned the ball over 18 times and shot at a 30.5 percent clip from the field (18-59).

Belhaven will try and regroup on Saturday afternoon when the team hosts Harris-Stowe State on day two of the Belhaven Coaches' vs. Cancer Classic in Rugg Arena. The tip-off is slated for 1:00 PM and fans can catch all the action through live video on the Blazers Sports Network by clicking here.