JACKSON - The Belhaven Women's Basketball team picked up their first win of the new season on Friday with a 71-47 win over Centenary in their opening game at the Belhaven Hoops Classic.

Belhaven was strong throughout the night and got off to a strong start with an 18-11 lead at hte end of the first quarter after closing the frame on a 9-2 run. Belhaven extended the lead in the second quarter despite a lengthy scoring drought because of strong defense that held Centenary to 3-13 shooting from the field.

The Blazers' control of the game continued in the second half with the Blazers hitting a pair of threes in the third quarter that helped them take a 19-point lead into the final frame. In the fourth, Belhaven extended their lead beyond 20 points, partially thanks to a strong 10-13 clip at the free throw line.

Savannah Hailey finished with a game-high 13 points including 3-6 shooting from beyond the arc. She also picked up five rebounds and two blocks in the win. Ebony Gayden finished with 12 points and six assists while playing just 19 minutes in the comfortable win.

Belhaven will close out their weekend on Saturday against a strong Emory team that is receiving votes in the D3hoops.com Women's Top 25 Poll. The Blazers and Eagles will tip off tomorrow at 3:00 PM.

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