LONGVIEW, TX. - Belhaven Men's Basketball wrapped up their first road test of the season on Saturday afternoon, falling 109-86 to LeTourneau inside Solheim Arena. The Blazers matched the Yellow Jackets shot for shot throughout the first half before a second-half surge by the home team created separation. Belhaven moved to 2-1 overall with the result.

First Half

Belhaven opened the game with early tempo, scoring the first two points at the line and forcing turnovers on consecutive possessions. DJ Jones set the tone defensively with a steal that turned into a fast-break score, then the Blazers used a transition layup from Dan Robinson to pull even at 5-5.

The Blazers generated rhythm behind their guard play. Braylon Dame hit back-to-back threes to push Belhaven ahead 12-9, then followed with another on the next possession to make it 15-11. Robinson added a strong finish inside, and Neal Terry powered in a putback to extend the margin to 17-13.

Belhaven built its largest lead of the half at 28-15 after a burst of momentum. Hays Regard drilled a three from the wing to make it 20-13, Jones scored in transition for 22-13, and Benjamin Stewart buried consecutive threes in a one-minute span to stretch the margin to double digits. Stewart added a third long-range make moments later for the 28-15 advantage.

The hosts countered with extended pressure, trimming the lead as the Blazers battled through turnovers and foul trouble. Belhaven briefly recovered on a layup from Terry and another fast-break finish from Robinson that made it 36-26, and Zion Owens added a free throw and a layup to hold the advantage at 39-26.

A late surge by the Yellow Jackets closed the gap. After Belhaven led 41-26, the home team went on an 18-2 run over the final four minutes. Despite a final basket from Terry to stop the push, Belhaven entered halftime trailing 46-43.

Second Half

Belhaven opened the second half aggressively, but early misses and turnovers created immediate challenges. A strong dunk by Terry brought the score to 46-51, followed by a fast-break layup from the senior to pull Belhaven within three at 48-51.

LeTourneau responded with a series of baskets off turnovers and second-chance looks, pushing the margin to double digits by the 17-minute mark. Dame ended the run with a drive to the rim, cutting the deficit to 50-62, but the YellowJackets kept answering with interior scoring.

Stewart and Terry connected on a give-and-go to bring the score to 52-67, and Dame hit a mid-range jumper to trim the margin to 54-67. Owens added back-to-back layups to keep the Blazers within striking distance at 60-71. Belhaven continued to score efficiently in the paint, but the home team consistently converted in transition, extending the lead to 79-64 with an 8-0 spurt.

Belhaven continued to push. Terry scored on consecutive possessions to reach 77-94, and Ryan Tillman buried a three late to bring the Blazers to 84-105. Avery Richards added a final pair of free throws, but the home team closed out the final minute to hand Belhaven an 86-109 defeat.

The Blazers return to Jackson to take on rival Millsaps next Tuesday. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM.

For the latest news on Belhaven Blazers athletics, follow @BelhavenBlazers on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook. To support Belhaven Athletics check out Team Green Giving.