JACKSON, Miss. -  Belhaven Women's Basketball pulled away after halftime and closed strong to earn a 66-47 conference victory over Piedmont this weekend at Rugg Arena. The Blazers improved to 15-4 overall and 8-3 in CCS play with the win.  

Belhaven forced 29 turnovers, turned them into 25 points, and held Piedmont to 28.6 percent shooting for the game while controlling the second half on both ends.

First Quarter
The opening period featured constant momentum swings, with the lead changing several times. Belhaven scored first inside, but Piedmont answered behind Kylie Watkins, who connected from three and added free throws to help the visitors take a brief lead. Alexandria Willis was active on the glass and in the paint, creating second-chance looks that allowed Piedmont to close the quarter on a 7-0 run. Belhaven trailed 20-17 after one.

Second Quarter
Belhaven responded with energy and defensive pressure. A 7-0 run early in the quarter, sparked by transition baskets and trips to the line, erased the deficit. Veronica Williams knocked down a fast-break three to give the Blazers breathing room, and Katelyn Coleman followed with a finish in the paint to extend the lead.

Piedmont briefly answered behind Willis and Ava Hunter inside, but Belhaven closed the half on an 8-2 run. Williams and Coleman both converted late to send the Blazers into the break with a 35-27 advantage after outscoring Piedmont 18-7 in the quarter.

Third Quarter
Belhaven took control coming out of halftime. Defensive pressure fueled a decisive run as Jasi Jenkins scored twice in transition and Ny Jones added points at the free-throw line. The Blazers opened the half with a 10-1 stretch to push the lead into double figures.

Piedmont struggled to find offense, with only a pair of free throws and a late tip-in breaking through during the period. Belhaven continued to attack inside and on the break, carrying a 47-35 lead into the fourth after holding Piedmont to eight points in the quarter.

Fourth Quarter
The Blazers closed the door in the final period. Jenkins opened the quarter with a strong finish inside, and Williams followed with a fast-break layup as Belhaven stretched the lead to 15. Piedmont received a brief push from Gracie Deetz, who scored consecutive baskets in the paint, trimming the margin to 11.

Belhaven answered immediately. Coleman scored inside, Williams added another basket in the lane, and Jones converted at the free-throw line to cap a 12-2 run that put the game out of reach. The Blazers held Piedmont to 12 points in the quarter and finished off the 19-point win at the line.

Williams led Belhaven with 19 points, while Jenkins added 14 off the bench. Coleman finished with 12 points and six rebounds as Belhaven placed three players in double figures.

Belhaven returns to action on Thursday at Asbury as conference play continues. Tip-off is set for 4:00 PM.

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