GREENSBORO, N.C. - The Belhaven Men's Basketball team picked up an impressive road win on Monday to close out the 2024 portion of their schedule as they took down Guilford 54-51 on the final day of the Guilford Holiday Classic. The win was a notable one for the Blazers in non-conference play as they took down an NCAA Division III Final Four team from a season ago.

It was another smothering defensive display for the Blazers who boast a top 10 scoring defense in the nation. Belhaven held the hosts to a season-low 51 points in the victory, knocking off a Guilford team that has spent most of the early season in the D3hoops.com Top 25 poll and was receiving votes ahead of Monday's clash. 

After Guilford took the opening few possessions of the contest, Belhaven stormed back in what was a defensive battle and a back and forth affair. The Blazers took a 25-25 lead into the break after a split trip to the free throw line from Jacob Reese.

In the second half, Belhaven continued to battle in a game that saw 13 different lead changes and neither club lead by more than two possessions at any point in the contest. With the game close late, DeMarcus Powe hit a midrange jumper to put the Blazers up three.

Guilford answered with a pair of free throws to bring the game back to one but Jonathan Lucas would ice the game for Belhaven with a steely 2-2 trip to the free throw line.

The Blazers move to 9-3 on the season with their defense the catalyst for their early season success. Belhaven held Guilford to just 37% shooting from the field and 18.5% shooting from beyond the arc. 

DeMarcus Powe led the way with 13 points on the day while Jacob Reese picked up yet another double-double with 12 points and 16 rebounds. Jonathan Lucas chipped in seven points and seven boards while Neal Terry pulled down eight rebounds.

Belhaven will return to action in the new year when they take on rival Millsaps on January 4th. The Blazers then will open conference play on January 7th at home against LaGrange.

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