CLARKSVILLE, Ark. - The Belhaven Blazers late comeback bid against the University of the Ozarks Eagles fell just short on Thursday as BU fell 86-80 in the ASC matchup.

It was a game in which the hosts led nearly wire to wire after the Blazers opened the game's scoring and led by as many as 24 points in the second half. Ozarks was able to pull away to a double-digit advantage in the opening half, staving off Belhaven rallies with sharp three-point shooting. 

The Eagles took a 46-29 lead into the break and opened the second half on a 7-0 run to take their largest lead of the game with just under 19 minutes to go in the game. Belhaven was able to work the hosts' lead down from there trimming the deficit from 15 points with 8:17 play down to single digits at the 6:08 mark.

With under a minute to play the Blazers were able to drop the Ozarks lead down to just three points but solid shooting from the free throw line helped the Eagles keep their distance and hold on for the conference win.

Belhaven was led by Arother Ratliff who finished with 25 points and 12 rebounds, both team-highs, while also picking up a pair of blocks and steals. Luke Couch finished with 15 points, five assists and three rebounds while Donovan Givens contributed 14 points along with seven rebounds. 

The Blazers shot 45.5% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the three point line but were bested by Ozarks who finished 13-29 (44.8%) from three. Belhaven won the rebounding battle 42-36 but were edged in the turnover battle 13-9. 

Belhaven will look to bounce back on January 13th when they host Concordia (TX) at 7:30 PM in Rugg Arena. 

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