Belhaven Pulls Away From 'Roos Late

SHERMAN, Texas - The Austin College men's basketball team erased a 10-point halftime deficit in the team's final game of the 2025 calendar year, but the comeback bid fell short as Belhaven University pulled away in the final minutes for an 88-80 victory on Wednesday afternoon at Hughey Gym. With the loss, the 'Roos fall to 2-7 on the season, while Belhaven improves to 5-7.

Despite shooting 51.8% from the field and getting a combined 45 points from Tasshir Pina-Warren and Jamien June, the 'Roos were undone by 29 turnovers, which Belhaven converted into 30 points. Pina-Warren led all scorers with 23 points on efficient 11-of-13 shooting, while June added 22 points and seven rebounds. Dyllion Redmond paced Belhaven with 21 points, eight rebounds, three blocks, and three steals.

Austin College held the momentum midway through the first half, taking a 26-20 lead on a three-pointer by Peyton Gonzales with 10:13 remaining. However, the Blazers responded with aggressive defense, closing the half on a run to take a 48-38 advantage into the break behind 19 first-half points off turnovers. The 'Roos fought back in the second half, slowly chipping away at the double-digit deficit. A layup by Pina-Warren with seven minutes remaining cut the Belhaven lead to 69-61.

Austin College continued to pressure the rim, eventually pulling within a single point when Pina-Warren scored inside to make it 77-76 with 2:12 left to play. On the ensuing possession, Stewart answered for Belhaven, draining a three-pointer with 1:52 on the clock to extend the lead to 80-76. Stewart finished with 15 points, including three triples. Redmond added a jumper with 1:02 remaining to push the lead to six. After June hit two free throws to keep the 'Roos alive, Belhaven sealed the game at the free-throw line and with a final layup by Stewart in the closing seconds.

DJ Jones chipped in 12 points and three assists for the Blazers, who recorded 19 steals as a team. For Austin College, Gonzales finished with 15 points and six rebounds, while Kidus Getenet added 11 points and three steals. The 'Roos are back in action on Saturday, as they head down Interstate 75 to Irving to take on the University of Dallas.