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Women's Basketball

Blazers Shock #15 Bethel

Box Score JACKSON, Miss. - The Belhaven women's basketball team upset 15th-ranked Bethel University (TN) 70-66 in a thriller on Saturday night. The Blazers improved to 11-13 overall and 5-9 in Southern States Athletic Conference play after notching their third consecutive win. The Blazers were soundly defeated 93-60 at Bethel in January but bounced back to turn the tables on the Wildcats Saturday.

(Box Score-HTML)
"We are finding ways to win, and our team is playing hard, playing well, and we are turning the corner," said head coach Rusty Cram.

The Wildcats started out the game on fire from the field, scoring on their first three possessions of the afternoon. Belhaven trailed by as many as nine points just five minutes into the game, but that would amount to the largest lead for Bethel (17-7, 10-4 SSAC).

The Blazers climbed back into the game and took the lead on a layup by Kayla Campora with 11:52 left in the first half. As the game progressed, it looked as though the Wildcats had gained back the momentum when they regained the edge at 23-22 with just under nine minutes left in the first period. However, an old fashion three point play by Erika LeFlore would put the Blazers in front for good at 25-23 seven minutes before the break.

Belhaven led 34-28 at halftime and increased the cushion to 44-33 with just under 16 minutes to go. The 11 point lead would be the biggest of the game. The 15th ranked Wildcats didn't go down without a fight and clawed their way back to tie the game 65-65 with 2:40 on the clock. However, three free throws and layup in the final minute by Ariel Wilson sealed the win.

Wilson led all scorers with a career high 33 points, shooting 59% from the field (10-17). The Brandon native was also one rebound shy of recording her first double-double for the Blazers. Wilson ended the game with nine boards.

"She had major buckets down the stretch in this game for us," said Cram. It's still hard to believe that she's only a freshman."

Senior Erika Leflore and junior TaShayla Steede were second and third on the squad with 15 and 11 points respectively, as the inside game proved big for the home team.

Tayla Forster led the Wildcats in scoring with 23 points, while Jackliann Street also faired well for Bethel, chiming in 16 points of her own.

The Blazers tallied 36 points in the paint, including 26 points off of the Wildcats' 21 turnovers.

"We are getting it together at a good point in the season, but it's important that we maintain this momentum down the stretch," said Cram.

The Blazers will host Spring Hill in Rugg Arena on Thursday night. Tip-off is slated for 5:30 PM.
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