JACKSON, Miss. - The Belhaven University women's basketball team fell in their first game of the 2017 season on the road at rival Millsaps 59-53 on Wednesday evening in non-conference play.
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INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final: Millsaps 59, Belhaven 53
Records: Belhaven 0-1 , Millsaps 1-0
Location: Hangar Dome | Jackson, Miss.
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HOW IT HAPPENED
- In the opening period, neither team led by more than three points as both teams traded baskets throughout the duration of the first quarter.
- Belhaven led for nearly the final 2:30 of the quarter, and a basket from Kayla Smothers put the Green and Gold ahead 14-13 after the first period.
- A 14-4 run from Millsaps catapulted the Majors ahead with the lead in the second quarter at 27-18 as the Blazers went cold from the field.
- Millsaps remained out in front at halftime leading 30-23.
- The Majors extended their lead out to double digits at 37-26 midway through the third quarter after scoring on three consecutive possessions.
- Belhaven would score 10 points in the final five minutes of the quarter, but were unable to stop the Majors defensively, and trailed 47-36 heading into the final frame.
- In the fourth, the Blazers went on a quick 8-2 run after a jumper in the paint from Lauren Brooks to close the gap down to 49-45 with five minutes remaining.
- With under four minutes to play, the Blazers had an opportunity to even the score and take the lead, but committed three straight turnovers as Millsaps increased their lead back out to double digits.
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KEY STATISTICS
- The Blazers were led offensively by newcomer Alexis Caldwell, who tallied a team-high 13 points on 4-7 shooting from the field. Caldwell also recorded four rebounds and three blocks.
- Lauren Brooks registered nine points and five rebounds.
- Kayla Smothers collected seven points along with a team-high eight boards.
- Brittany Ford chipped in with seven points and two steals.
- Belhaven finished the contest shooting 30 percent from the floor on 20-65 shooting.
- The Blazers were limited to only three 3-point baskets and shot just 45 percent from the free throw line on 10-22 attempts.
- Belhaven scored on 12 second chance points and finished with 29 points off of the bench in the loss.
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UP NEXT
Belhaven will stay on the road and will travel to Atlanta for Friday and Saturday contests between Emory & Henry College and Emory University. Tip-off times are currently set for 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. CST.
For the latest news on Belhaven Blazers athletics, follow @BelhavenBlazers on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.
