Montgomery, Ala. — Belhaven University’s men’s basketball team lost a close CCS contest at Huntingdon, 93-92, in overtime Tuesday night inside Roland Arena. The Blazers erased multiple late deficits and had a chance to win in the final seconds before a late free throw sealed the victory for Huntingdon.
Belhaven opened strong, with defensive intensity led by Neal Terry, who recorded two early blocks. The Blazers took a 6-0 lead behind baskets from Dyllion Redmond and CJ Minton. Minton continued to attack offensively, drawing fouls and converting free throws to keep Belhaven ahead.
The Hawks responded with perimeter shooting, including two three-pointers from Tyler Mallory, briefly swinging momentum. Belhaven answered with a strong stretch, highlighted by back-to-back threes from Minton, a transition finish from Braylon Dame, and a jumper from Kam Beverly. Late in the first half, Belhaven forced turnovers and capitalized, with Redmond and Minton hitting deep shots. DJ Jones added free throws to cap a 12-5 run, giving the Blazers a 44-37 halftime lead.
In the second half, Belhaven extended its lead early. Terry opened with a dunk, and Minton and Jones added three-pointers to push the margin to 59-41, the team’s largest advantage. Huntingdon chipped away with inside scoring from Myles Murphy and perimeter shots from Eric Moore, reducing the deficit to single digits midway through the period.
Belhaven responded with key plays, including a free throw from Braylon Dame and inside scores from Benjamin Stewart. The final minutes saw back-and-forth action, with Owen LaRocca hitting a three to cut the lead to four. Minton and Charleston Wallace answered with buckets, and Mallory tied the game at 83-83 with consecutive layups in the final minute, forcing overtime.
The extra period saw six lead changes. Beverly’s free throws gave Belhaven an early edge, but Wallace responded with a basket to tie the game. Myles Murphy hit a crucial three for Huntingdon, and Wallace responded with a late inside finish to make it 92-92 with 14 seconds remaining. After a defensive stop, Belhaven had a chance to win but was fouled. Jeremy Autin made the first free throw, giving Huntingdon the lead. The Blazers missed a final shot as time expired, falling 93-92.
Belhaven returns to action Saturday, hosting CCS foe Maryville at 4 p.m. For updates on the team, follow @BelhavenBlazers on social media and support athletics through Team Green Giving.
