SHERMAN, TX. - Belhaven Men's Basketball closed out 2025 with a strong road performance Tuesday afternoon, defeating Austin 88-80 inside Hughey Gym. The Blazers led for nearly the entire game, built separation in both halves, and executed late to secure the win.

The afternoon was highlighted by senior Dyllion Redmond, who returned to the lineup for the first time this season and delivered a career-high 21 points, eight rebounds and three blocks in his debut. Benjamin Stewart and DJ Jones also added double-figure points.

Belhaven (5-7) set the tone early. Redmond made his presence felt immediately, knocking down a three on the Blazers' first made basket and later adding a pair of free throws to help push Belhaven ahead 10-3 in the opening three minutes.

After the home team trimmed the margin to two possessions, Belhaven responded with a steady stretch of interior scoring. Christian McGahan finished inside, CJ Minton connected on a three, and Neal Terry scored twice in the paint as the Blazers maintained control through the middle of the half.

The key run came between the 9:40 and 8:20 marks. Belhaven forced consecutive turnovers and converted on the break, with Zion Owens scoring on a fast break and Kam Beverly throwing down a dunk to extend the lead to 31-28. Redmond followed with a strong jumper in the lane, and Minton added another finish inside as the margin grew to five.

The Blazers closed the half with one of its cleanest stretches of the night. Terry scored off an assist from Dan Robinson, Robinson added a driving layup, and Redmond finished a late sequence with free throws and a block on the defensive end. A fast-break layup from Jones capped the run, sending the Blazers into the locker room with a 48-38 halftime lead.

Belhaven opened the second half with composure as the home team attempted to build momentum. Terry scored on a second-chance opportunity, and Redmond followed with a powerful dunk in transition to push the lead back to double digits at 52-42.

The Blazers' largest surge came midway through the half. Redmond converted at the line, then came up with back-to-back steals that led to another dunk and a layup, stretching the lead to 60-47. Belhaven continued to control the paint during the stretch, with McGahan finishing inside and DJ Jones scoring on a drive to keep the cushion intact.

The home side mounted a late push, cutting the deficit to one possession with just over five minutes remaining. Belhaven responded immediately. Charleston Wallace scored in the paint to stop the run,  Stewart knocked down a timely three, and Jones followed with another three on the next possession to reestablish a nine-point advantage.

After the margin was trimmed again to four in the final two minutes, Belhaven closed the game at the free-throw line and in transition. Stewart connected on two free throws, Robinson added a pair from the stripe, and Stewart finished the afternoon with a fast-break layup in the closing seconds to seal the 88-80 win.

The Blazers return home to finish the non-conference portion of their schedule on Saturday against Berry. Tip-off is set for 3:00 PM.

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