JACKSON, Miss. – The Belhaven Women's Basketball team was victorious in the Collegiate Conference of the South tournament quarterfinals, defeating Huntingdon 81-73 on Tuesday evening at Rugg Arena. The win was capped off in the final minute as Ebony Gayden hit the 1,000 career points milestone becoming just the 16th player in program history to achieve that mark.

Belhaven set the tone from the opening tip, using defensive pressure and fast-break opportunities to jump out to a 16-8 first-quarter lead. Gayden established herself early, scoring in the paint, while Savannah Hailey and Veronica Williams controlled the boards and pushed the pace in transition. Despite efficient play from Hailey and key minutes from the bench, Huntingdon managed to erase the first quarter deficit, sending the game into halftime tied at 32-32.

The Blazers came out firing in the third quarter. Williams was a difference-maker off the bench, scoring 18 points, while Gayden continued her strong inside play. Belhaven ramped up the defensive pressure, forcing turnovers that led to easy transition baskets. Their 26-point third quarter put them back in the driver's seat, taking a six-point lead into the final period.

Belhaven closed out the game with a strong fourth quarter as Hailey recorded a crucial double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Ally Alford and Shakendalah Jones facilitated the offense, combining for 13 assists. Belhaven's ability to capitalize on turnovers, scoring 20 points off takeaways, and control the paint proved too much for the Hawks to handle.

The win sends Belhaven to the semifinals of the CCS Tournament where they will face the No. 2 seed in the tournament, Asbury, on Friday. The Blazers and Eagles will square off in Demorest, Georgia with Belhaven hoping to book a spot in the championship for a second straight season.

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