IRVING, Texas - The Belhaven Men's Basketball team fell in a tight battle at the University of Dallas on Tuesday, 75-73, as they wrapped up the non-conference portion of their 2023-24 regular season.

The Blazers and Crusaders stayed in virtual lockstep with each other from the opening tip-off. Trading baskets for most of the first half, it was the Blazers who took a one-point lead into the break despite a late half run by the hosts.

Leading 35-34 out of the half, Belhaven saw an early second half run from Dallas that saw the hosts pull in front by double-digits with less than four minutes go in the period. Belhaven trimmed the deficit and in the middle period of the half, went on a quick 7-0 run to retake the lead with 8:13 to go.

As the game entered the closing stages, Dallas was able to jump back in front on a pair of made free throws with just five seconds left to play. Belhaven got a buzzer-beater shot attempt off before the horn which looked to have been interfered with after it the backboard but upon review, the referees did not award what would have been a game-tying layup from Judah Jordan.

Belhaven was led on the night by Jacob Reese who finished with 21 points on 10-14 shooting from the field and pulled down 10 rebounds for his team-leading 12th double-double of the season. Judah Jordan added 15 points while Luke Couch and Damien Wheaton also finished in double-figures.

The Blazers will look to refocus their attention on conference play as they host Berea on Saturday for a 4:00 PM tip off. The matchup against the Mountaineers is the penultimate game of the regular season and carries seeding implications for the conference tournament.

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