JACKSON -  Belhaven Women's Basketball came up just short in a back-and-forth Riverside Rivalry matchup Tuesday evening, falling 85-81 in overtime to Millsaps at Charles R. Rugg Arena. The game featured 11 ties and seven lead changes, with both teams trading momentum swings deep into regulation and beyond.

The night was highlighted by a career-high 27 points from senior guard Katelyn Coleman, who delivered one of the best performances of her career.

Belhaven shot 41 percent from the field, placed four players in double figures, and posted 37 bench points, but a strong overtime push from Millsaps proved to be the difference.

First Quarter

Belhaven opened the night cold from the field, shooting 3-for-18 in the opening period. A three-pointer from Veronica Williams gave the Blazers their first points, and Jasi Jenkins and Katelyn Coleman added scoring in the paint to keep the game within reach. Millsaps created separation late in the quarter, and Belhaven trailed 15-9 after one.

Second Quarter

The Blazers responded with a strong second frame, outscoring Millsaps 21-20. A three-pointer from Ny Jones, followed by two quick drives to the rim, helped cut the deficit to one. Savannah Hailey added a jumper to bring the margin to 19-18. Belhaven continued pushing the tempo, and Coleman delivered a key stretch with a fast-break layup and two free throws. Despite multiple ties, Millsaps held a 35-30 advantage at halftime.

Third Quarter

Belhaven's defense locked in, holding Millsaps to just 3-of-18 shooting in the third. Hailey sparked the Blazers with back-to-back mid-range jumpers to trim the lead to one. Coleman remained steady inside, scoring following an assist from Jones and later finishing again off the break. Jenkins hit a jumper in the final minute to make it a two-point game entering the fourth, with Millsaps leading 45-43 heading into the final quarter.

Fourth Quarter

The Blazers delivered their strongest quarter of regulation, scoring 26 points on 59 percent shooting. Coleman's jumper tied the game at 45-45 just 56 seconds into the period. Hailey followed with a putback, and Williams knocked down a deep three to push Belhaven ahead 50-45. Millsaps answered with timely baskets, but the Blazers continued to execute late. Kiersten Hudson scored six straight points, including a fast-break finish and a free throw that gave Belhaven a five-point cushion with 2:53 remaining. After Millsaps tied the game at 65-65, the teams continued trading buckets. Hailey knocked down a jumper with 30 seconds left to put Belhaven in front 69-67, but a late tip-in sent the game to overtime, tied at 69-69.

Overtime

Belhaven struck first in OT with a free throw from Hudson and later tied the game again when Jenkins scored off a cut. A key sequence came at the 2:29 mark when Coleman scored through contact to give Belhaven a 75-73 lead. Millsaps responded with a pair of layups, and the Blazers tied the game again at 79-79 after another strong finish from Coleman. Hailey added a jumper with five seconds left, but Millsaps capitalized at the free-throw line in the final seconds to close out the game.

Belhaven looks to bounce back on the road later this week when the team travels to Sewanee on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 2:00 PM.

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