JACKSON, Miss. - The Belhaven Men's Basketball team opened up their 2021-22 season on Tuesday on the road at crosstown rival Millsaps but were beaten in a tight matchup by a 79-77 final score. 

The hosts jumped out to an early lead with the Blazers struggling offensively. At the first timeout taken with just under 12 minutes to go in the opening half BU trailed 19-6 but coming out of the break the Blazers went on a 14-0 run to put them on top. 

Belhaven was able to keep the Majors at arms length for the rest of the first half and held an eight point lead at the break with Arother Ratliff leading the way with 11 points through the first half. 

In the second half the Blazers were largely able to hold the lead and at multiple points extend the advantage to double digits. However, foul trouble in the final 10 minutes of the game provided Millsaps with a way back into the game and the hosts were able to take their first lead of the second half with three minutes to go. 

Belhaven traded free throws in the final minutes with the Majors but were unable to regain a foothold in the game coming up just short at the buzzer.

Arother Ratliff led the Blazers in scoring with 21 points in his Belhaven debut. Ratliff added six rebounds, three blocks and two steals across 29 minutes on the night. Luke Couch added 20 points on the day with six rebounds and four assists while Jay Brantley picked up eight points in his collegiate debut.

As a team the Blazers were excellent from the free throw line finishing 25-29 (86.2%) but went just 10-37 (27%) from beyond the arc. 

The Blazers will now turn their attention to UT Dallas as they open up conference play this Saturday. Tip in Richardson, Texas against the Comets is set for 2 PM.

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