BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Belhaven University Women's Basketball team fell to Birmingham Southern 97-95 on the road in non-conference action to move to 3-1 overall.

The Blazers jumped out to a quick 8-3 lead early on the contest. Both teams traded possessions and buckets, but Belhaven extended their lead to eight points late in the first quarter. The Green and Gold took the 23-17 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

BU maintained a seven point advantage midway through the second quarter, but the hosts fought back and leveled the score at 35 with 3:19 remaining in the second quarter. The Panthers took the lead and extended their lead to seven points, but the Blazers did not give up as they fought back to only being down by one point going into the halftime break.

After multiple lead changes in the third quarter, the Blazers held the slight 69-68 lead over the Panthers at the end of the third quarter. Early on in the fourth quarter Belhaven extended their lead to nine points, but Birmingham Southern took the lead late in the contest to make the score 94-93. The Panthers went on to secure the 97-95 victory over the Blazers.

Xhiir Burgess led the Blazers offensively and defensively with 24 points, 17 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. Additionally, Burgess went 11-for-15 from the floor in 24 minutes. Shantashia John collected 17 points and had a team-high six assists in the contest. Reagan Buchanan tailed her first double-double as a Blazer with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

The Blazers will return to action on Tuesday, December 6 against the Millsaps College Majors at Millsaps in Jackson, Miss. Tip off is set for 6:00 p.m.

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