LaGrange, Ga. - The Belhaven Men's Basketball team erased a 20-point second-half deficit and had multiple chances to take the lead late, but came up just short in a 69-65 road setback Thursday night at the Mariotti Gymnasium. The Blazers outscored the Panthers in the second half and trimmed the margin to one in the final 30 seconds, but timely plays down the stretch proved to be the difference.

Belhaven moved to 9-9 overall and 3-2 in CCS play.

Belhaven struggled to find offensive rhythm early as the home team controlled the paint and tempo. After an early layup by Micah McAllister and another interior finish by Parker Gonzalez, the Blazers fell behind by multiple possessions.

The deficit grew during a key first-half stretch when McAllister and Austen Colton combined for several finishes in the lane and on the break. A fast-break score by Devin Dowell extended the margin to double digits, forcing Belhaven to play from behind for much of the half.

Belhaven began to settle in offensively midway through the period. DJ Jones sparked a run with back-to-back three-pointers, and CJ Minton followed with a deep three of his own to cut the margin from 17 down to 11. Neal Terry added multiple baskets inside, including two offensive rebounds and finishes in traffic, as Belhaven chipped away at the deficit.

Despite the push, LaGrange closed the half strong. McAllister converted in transition late, and a fast-break layup by Colton in the final seconds sent Belhaven into the locker room trailing 40-31.

The second half opened with the home team regaining momentum quickly. Trenton Dillard scored on a fast-break dunk and added a free throw moments later, and McAllister followed with another transition finish to push the lead to 51-31, the largest of the night.

Belhaven responded with resilience. Benjamin Stewart knocked down a three to stop the run, and CJ Minton followed with a pair of three-pointers during a key stretch that trimmed the margin to 14. Defensive pressure fueled the comeback, with steals by Dyllion Redmond and Braylon Dame leading to transition chances.

The Blazers continued to chip away as Minton buried another three, Terry controlled the glass, and Kam Beverly scored inside to bring Belhaven within single digits. With under five minutes remaining, DJ Jones attacked the lane for a layup, and Minton converted a fast-break finish to cut the deficit to 63-57.

Belhaven made its biggest push in the final two minutes. A jumper by Minton pulled the Blazers within two, and Terry followed with a free throw to make it a one-point game at 63-62. After a defensive stop, Minton drilled a clutch three with 27 seconds left to give Belhaven its first lead of the night at 66-65.

The Panthers answered immediately, as Austen Colton knocked down a late three to swing the lead back. Belhaven had multiple chances in the closing seconds, but a block by Kani Rashied-Henry and late free throws by Dillard sealed the 69-65 final.

The Blazers are back in action next Saturday when they host Piedmont. Tip-off is set for 4:00 PM.

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