Jackson, Miss. - Belhaven Men's Basketball opened the new year with a wire-to-wire performance Saturday afternoon, defeating Berry 83-68 at Rugg Arena. The Blazers led from the opening minutes, built separation with balanced scoring and defensive pressure, and closed the game with strong execution at the free-throw line to improve to 6-7 on the season.

Belhaven established control early behind energy on the glass and efficient perimeter shooting. After Dan Robinson scored the game's first basket in transition, the Blazers used a quick 7-0 run to take an early multi-possession lead. Braylon Dame knocked down a pair of threes during that stretch, and the defense limited clean looks to force early stops.

The visitors briefly trimmed the margin with interior baskets, but Belhaven answered each push. DJ Jones converted at the line, and Dame added another fast-break finish to keep the Blazers in front. Midway through the half, Belhaven's bench provided a spark. Kam Beverly scored two of his season-high 17 points off a steal and followed with a strong finish in the paint to extend the lead to double digits.

Belhaven stretched the margin again with a 10-2 run highlighted by consecutive threes from Jones and Shaun Nichols, pushing the lead to 24-12. The Blazers continued to defend without fouling and rebound effectively, limiting second chances.

The visitors responded late with a brief scoring stretch, but Belhaven closed the half with composure. CJ Minton scored twice in the paint, Neal Terry added a free throw and interior finish, and Minton capped the half with a deep three in the final seconds to send the Blazers into the locker room up 36-27.

Belhaven maintained control coming out of the break, responding calmly when the visitors tried to build momentum. Robinson opened the half with a fast-break layup, and Christian McGahan followed with a short jumper to keep the lead at nine.

The defining stretch came around the 14-minute mark. After the margin was trimmed to four, Belhaven answered with a 12-2 run. Benjamin Stewart buried a three, Dame converted two free throws in transition, and Robinson finished through contact to push the lead back to double figures at 55-48.

The Blazers continued to extend the lead with defensive pressure and transition play. Beverly scored on a dunk in traffic, Jones added a layup off an assist, and Terry controlled the paint defensively with multiple blocks during a key stretch that limited any sustained response.

With under five minutes remaining, Belhaven put the game away. Robinson attacked the rim for a layup, followed by another fast-break finish to make it a 12-point game. The Blazers then closed the final minutes at the free-throw line, converting 10-of-13 attempts in the second half to seal the 83-68 victory.

The Blazers begin conference play next week, when LaGrange travels to Jackson. Tip-off is set for 4:00 PM.

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