JACKSON, Miss. - Belhaven Men's Basketball took home a 85-80 non-conference win on Thursday as they knocked off MUW in a contest that went to the wire. 

Both sides traded baskets in the early going with each team shooting the ball well from the field. The teams were even through the first two minutes before MUW went on a short 6-0 run to take the first multi-possession lead for either team in the game. Just over six minutes into the first half the Blazers posted their first sustained scoring burst of the game with a 12-3 run across a four minute span to take the lead 24-20.

From there, Belhaven continued to extend their advantage over The W pulling out to a 34-22 lead with 5:41 to go in the first half. MUW closed the gap late in the period but the Blazers took a 40-35 lead into the half. 

In the second half the Blazers were able to pull their lead back to double digits but foul trouble opened the door for the visitors to find their way back into the game. Despite a pair of late baskets by MUW though Belhaven took advantage of strong free throw shooting to seal the non-conference victory. 

On the night the Blazers were led by Arother Ratliff who finished with a team-high 22 points to go with four rebounds and an assist on 9-15 shooting from the field. Luke Couch finished with 19 points with a stellar performance from the free throw line going 11-12 on free chances. In the end Belhaven had 10 different players register a point and saw their reserve unit contribute 30 points. 

Belhaven resumes conference play on Saturday when they host University of the Ozarks in Rugg Arena. Tip off is set for 4 PM. 

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