MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Belhaven Men's Basketball team picked up a critical conference win over Huntingdon on Tuesday, 85-78, as they hit the home stretch of the regular season. 

The contest was a close one throughout with 13 different lead changes, 14 different points at which the score was tied and neither team leading by more than eight points at any point throughout the game. 

After the Hawks led for the opening five minutes, Belhaven gained a foothold in the game thanks in large part to some early, aggressive offense from Jonathan Lucas, and took control for the bulk of the first half.

The Blazers led 39-32 at the half and looked poised to pull away from the hosts on the night. However the Hawks would have an answer for Belhaven coming out of the break, hitting a pair of quick threes to bring them back within one of the the Blazers.

Both teams traded the lead in the middle stages of the second half before Huntingdon pulled in front by two possessions with just over five minutes to play. Trailing late, the Blazers had to chip away at the Hawks' advantage in the final minutes. With just over two minutes to play, Jacob Reese converted on a critical layup plus and-one free throw to give Belhaven a 73-72 lead.

The Blazers would pull away from there with strong defense and superb free throw shooting in the final moments to pick up their sixth conference win of the season.

Luke Couch finished as the leading scorer on the night for the Blazers with 18 points including 7-8 shooting from the free throw line. Couch also hit a three on the day to move himself into sole possession of second place in the program's all-time three-point leaders category.

Reigning CCS Player of the Week Jordan Marshall tallied 12 points and four rebounds while Judah Jordan tacked on another 13 points. Jacob Reese continued to dominate the boards with 17 rebounds to go with 11 points.

With the win the Blazers improve to 14-7 on the season and 6-3 in conference play. Belhaven will return to action on Saturday as they host Covenant at 4:00 PM in Rugg Arena.

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