Memphis - The Rhodes men's basketball competed in a hard-fought battle against the Belhaven University Blazers for the second time this season, but this time Belhaven clinched the game 86-83 in the last few minutes of the game. It's the first victory of the season for the Blazers who are now 1-4 while the Lynx drop to 3-6.

Belhaven's offense was quick on the fast breaks, and the Lynx defense adjusted quickly, allowing them to close the gap on offense and take over the lead in the first seven minutes. Rhodes led the remainder of the half, by as many as seven points. By halftime, Rhodes held a 43-41 edge over the Blazers. Both teams held small leads throughout the second half, the teams staying within four points of one another. Rhodes had an eight-point scoring run in the second half and held a two-point lead with just under three minutes to play. The Rhodes defense almost came up with a steal, but never gained possession of the ball, sending Belhaven into their back court with three seconds on the shot clock and 2:57 to go. In desperation, freshman Luke Couch heaved the ball from near mid-court (still in the back court) and drained the three-pointer to give the Blazers some momentum. Rhodes responded with a layup to go up by one but a Belhaven trey and two free throws put the Blazers up for good. Rhodes freshman Koki Wiley hit a three pointer with 11 seconds left to pull Rhodes within two but the Lynx ran out of time.

Senior Preston Giroux went 8-of-11 in the field to lead the Lynx with 19 points. Wiley went 4-of-7 with 10 total points and a Lynx-high rebounds. Overall, Rhodes had 48 points in the paint, 15 from turnovers, 11 on second chances, 13 from fast breaks, and 23 from the bench. The Lynx averaged 51.6% in the field overall but the Blazers recorded a .542 field goal percentage and connected on 15-of-31 three-pointers compared to Rhodes' 6-of-17.

For Belhaven, Brosnan Cooks was one assist short of a triple double, securing 20 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists.

Rhodes returns to action tomorrow against McMurry at 5 p.m. at home to continue the tournament.