BROWNWOOD, Texas – The Belhaven women's basketball team opened up 2020 with a 75-71 win over Howard Payne University in American Southwest Conference play on Thursday evening.

The Blazers jumped out to a quick 15-2 lead to open the ball game, but the Yellowjackets rallied back to cut the deficit to 19-10 at the end of the first quarter. Howard Payne continued to fight back and would narrow the score to 30-25 midway through the second quarter, however the Green and Gold went on a 7-1 run to close out the second quarter.

The Blazers shot well from in the third quarter as they extended their lead to 23 points with three minutes left in the third frame. Howard Payne went on a brief run to close out the frame,but the Blazers still held on to the 56-39 advantage going into the final quarter of play. With 2:11 remaining in regulation, the Blazers and Yellowjackets were knotted up at 67, but Howard Payne never took the lead for the rest of the game as the Blazers earned the 75-71 victory to open ASC play.

Peyton Papenburg led the Blazers scoring 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Keke lyles played all 40 minutes and posted 20 points, while Sydney Martin also tallied a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. As a team, the Blazers shot 64 percent from the charity stripe.
The Blazers return to action on Saturday against ASC opponent Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. Tipoff is set for 1:00 p.m.

For the latest news on Belhaven Blazers athletics, follow @BelhavenBlazers on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.