Wesleyan Falls to Belhaven Despite Strong Opening Quarter

Macon, GA — The Wesleyan Wolves (0-9, 0-3) hosted the Belhaven Blazers (6-6, 3-0) in a tough matchup that showcased Wesleyan's potential in the opening quarter but ultimately ended in a 96-51 defeat. Belhaven's strong second-half performance proved to be the difference as Wesleyan continues to search for their first win of the season.

Hot Start by Wesleyan

The Wolves came out firing in the first quarter, showcasing efficient ball movement and defensive tenacity. Wesleyan's Zariah Davis set the tone early, hitting three of her four three-pointers in the first half to keep the Wolves competitive. The Wolves shot an impressive 47.1% from the field in the first quarter and led 19-17 at the break, energizing the home crowd.

Belhaven Takes Control

Belhaven adjusted quickly, relying on their depth and inside presence to dominate the boards and control the tempo. The Blazers' Ebony Gayden led the charge with a double-double performance, tallying 21 points and 12 rebounds. They outscored Wesleyan 21-14 in the second quarter, taking a 38-33 lead into halftime.

Second-Half Struggles for Wesleyan

Belhaven's relentless defense and balanced scoring proved too much for the Wolves in the second half. Wesleyan's offense struggled to find its rhythm, shooting just 23.1% in the third quarter and 20.0% in the fourth. Meanwhile, Belhaven's Savannah Hailey and Ally Alford combined for 28 points, punishing Wesleyan from both the perimeter and inside the paint.

The Blazers' dominance was most evident in the rebounding battle, where they grabbed 50 boards compared to Wesleyan's 32. Belhaven also capitalized on second-chance opportunities, turning offensive rebounds into 25 points.

Game Leaders

• Belhaven: Ebony Gayden was unstoppable, posting a game-high 21 points and 12 rebounds. Ally Alford added 22 points, including four three-pointers, while Savannah Hailey chipped in with six rebounds and five steals to round out the Blazers' impressive effort.

• Wesleyan: Zariah Davis led the Wolves with 11 points, including three three-pointers. Nathalie Santana contributed seven points and six rebounds, while Destiny Smith provided a spark off the bench with seven points and three rebounds.

Final Thoughts

Despite the lopsided final score, Wesleyan showed bright spots, particularly in the opening quarter. Head Coach Cocoa emphasized the team's resilience and their need to sustain energy and execution throughout the game. The Wolves' effort on defense and their ability to push the pace in transition were highlights that they will look to build upon moving forward.