JACKSON, Miss - The Belhaven Women's Basketball team won a thriller against Birmingham-Southern to finish off the 2020 calendar year. For the second straight game the Blazers broke the century mark with a 101-98 final score against the visiting Panthers. 

Belhaven won their second straight game against Birmingham-Southern and moves to 2-2 on the young season. The visiting Panthers got out to an early lead to open the game going 10-22 from the floor and 4-9 from three in the first quarter. Taking a 10 point lead into the second period, the Panthers were able to stretch out their advantage to a 12 point lead at the halfway point.

A strong third quarter helped the Blazers close the gap with Belhaven going on an 11-2 run in the first four minutes of the period to make it a one score game. Entering the fourth quarter, the Blazers trailed Birmingham-Southern by a point. In the final frame the Blazers were able to take a late lead and hold off a late surge from the visitors. 

On the day, the Blazers ability to score inside was the winning difference outscoring the Panthers 62-44 in the paint. The Blazers also held a 20-point advantage in points scored off of turnovers with a final margin of 45-25 in the game. The biggest scoring disparity came in fastbreak points where the Blazers led the Panthers by a 43-11 split.

Seven different Blazers finished the game in double figure scoring with Mariah Collins and Shanda Pugh leading the group with 13 points each. Destiny Johnson recorded her second straight double-double with a 12 points and a game-high 10 rebounds. 

The Blazers will return to action after the holidays with a home match up against Sul Ross State on Thursday, January 7 at 5:30 PM. The game against Sul Ross also marks the opening of conference play. 

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