ABILENE, Texas - Outscoring the Cowgirls 26-13 in the third quarter, the Belhaven women's basketball team defeated Hardin-Simmons, 75-65, on Saturday afternoon in the Mabee Complex. 

In the first half, the teams were evenly matched on the field, and even though Hardin-Simmons (4-6) tallied nine of the 21 first half rebounds on the offensive glass, Belhaven shot 59.2 percent (16-for-27) from the field in the first 20 minutes. Thanks to the dominant shooting, the Blazers led by four, 37-33 at recess.

Sierra Pittman, in 14 first half minutes, went perfect from the field, going 5-for-5. 

Coming out of the locker room for the second half, the Blazers (4-4) shooting stayed hot, outscoring the Cowgirls, 26-13. BU shot 56 percent (9-for-16) in the quarter, with HSU going 22 percent (4-for-18) from the field. The Green and Gold also outrebounded their opponent, 14-8. Belhaven pushed the lead to 17 points, 63-46, headed into the final quarter.

After a 10-point performance in the first half, Candler Gregory drained four 3-pointers in the quarter on six attempts, equaling 12 points. 

In the fourth quarter, the Blazers got the lead as high as 22 points, but HSU would chip away to cut the Blazers lead to six. Belhaven, however, would be able to hold off the late rally by the Cowgirls to seal the deal. 

For the game, the Green and Gold shot 51.9 percent (28-for-54) from the field, despite Hardin-Simmons outrebounding the Blazers, 45-35. 

Pittman, who missed her career mark of 23 points by one two nights ago, broke through for a new career high of 27 points. The senior finished 10-for-14 from the field, while making 7-10 from the field. The Mobile, Ala. native finished with three assists and two steals. 

Gregory finished her afternoon on the hardwood with a season-best 22 points. The senior shot 8-for-16 from the field, 6-for-12 from downtown. The Hampton, Ga. native also grabbed six rebounds. 

Samara Dingiswayo added 10 points for the Green and Gold in the win, and she also added four assists and rebounds each. 

Tajee Harper dished out five of the Blazers season-high 17 assists in 24 minutes. The junior also had eight points and three steals. 

The Blazers will now break for Christmas and will return to action in 11 days on Wednesday, Dec. 28 when they host Birmingham-Southern inside Rugg Arena. Tipoff is slated for 5 p.m.

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