JACKSON, Miss. - Belhaven Women's Basketball used a decisive second-quarter surge to secure a 75-69 conference win over Maryville on Saturday afternoon at Rugg Arena. The Blazers improved to 14-4 overall and 7-3 in CCS play with the victory.  

First Quarter
The opening quarter was tightly contested from the start. Belhaven scored its first points at the line before Kiersten Hudson knocked down a jumper in the paint to spark early momentum. The Blazers briefly built a small cushion behind transition finishes from Ny Jones and Kyla Farmer.

Maryville answered behind Ella Haney, who scored multiple times in the lane to keep the visitors close. Belhaven countered with inside baskets from Jasi Jenkins and Hudson, but a late three-pointer by Haney tied the game at 17-17 heading into the second.

Second Quarter
Belhaven took control in the second quarter with its most important run of the game. After Kamren Edwards opened the period with a jumper, the Blazers strung together a 13-3 run fueled by defense and transition. RaMya King converted multiple fast-break opportunities at the free-throw line, Veronica Williams finished a layup in stride, and Hudson capped the stretch with back-to-back fast-break three-pointers to push the lead to double digits.

Maryville responded behind Haney and Emily Wilson to trim the margin late, but Belhaven maintained composure. Free throws and a late stop allowed the Blazers to take a 42-34 lead into halftime after outscoring the visitors 25-17 in the quarter.

Third Quarter
Belhaven carried momentum into the third. Jones opened the half with a jumper, followed by finishes from Farmer and Williams in transition to extend the lead to 14. A quick response by Maryville, highlighted by Kadence Stoner at the line and interior baskets from Ella Tharpe, cut into the advantage.

Belhaven answered with timely defense and another push. Jenkins converted a fast-break layup, Hudson buried a three, and King added points at the line as the Blazers rebuilt separation. Despite a late run by Maryville, Belhaven entered the fourth quarter with a 59-54 edge.

Fourth Quarter
The final period featured several momentum swings. Maryville opened with a basket inside and later cut the deficit to two on a three-pointer from Haney with just over six minutes remaining.

Belhaven responded immediately. Jenkins scored in the paint, King finished a fast-break layup, and Farmer added a strong finish inside to spark a 10-2 run that pushed the lead back to eight. Williams later knocked down a key three-pointer with under two minutes remaining to give the Blazers breathing room.

Maryville continued to battle behind Haney, who led all scorers, but Belhaven closed the game at the free-throw line and with strong defensive rebounds to seal the six-point win.

Hudson led Belhaven with 17 points, while King added 15 off the bench. Williams finished with 11 points, and Jenkins chipped in nine.

The Blazers have a quick turnaround, hosting Piedmont later this weekend. 

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