JACKSON, Miss. -- On Tuesday, the Millsaps College men's basketball team made the short trip down Riverside Drive to open the season with a matchup against the rival Belhaven University Blazers. 

Millsaps took control of the game late in the first half to carry a 46-39 lead to halftime.

The Majors stretched their lead to as many as 16 points in the second half, but were forced to hold off a Belhaven comeback attempt late. In the end Millsaps was able to get a few defensive stops and convert on crucial free throw opportunities to secure the 99-95 win. 

Tonight was the season-opener for both programs. The Majors start off 1-0 for the second consecutive season while the Blazers fall to 0-1. 

How It Happened
The Blazers opened up the scoring with a three-pointer, but a dunk on the other end from Kalvin Spikes quickly quieted the home crowd. The early portion of the first half was back-and-forth with neither team leading by much more than a single possession.

Midway through the half Kaleb Jenkins made a three. Millsaps forced a turnover on the ensuing Belhaven possession, and Justin Van Pelt made good on a layup and the Majors led 19-12 with 11:29 left to play in the opening half. 

Belhaven fought back and actually reclaimed the lead a few minutes later at 23-22. However, Millsaps responded by outscoring the Blazers 22-16 over the final eight minutes of play to take a 46-39 lead to the halftime locker room. 

The Blazers hung around early in the second-half, and with 13 minutes left to play the game was tied 59-59. Another slam dunk from Spikes sparked a Millsaps rally that saw the Majors stretch their lead out to 16 points at 81-65 with 8:05 left to play in the game. That run was highlighted by strong defensive play which allowed Millsaps to get out in transition and finish several layups at the rim. 

Unfortunately, Belhaven answered back yet again. With 2:35 left the Blazers cut the lead to under 10 points. Just over a minute later they were within one possession at 94-91.

The Majors were able to regroup and put away the win at the free throw line however, as they picked up the 99-95 victory on the Blazers home court. 

Notables
Spikes led all Millsaps scorers with 18 points. He added 12 rebounds to finish with a double-double. Three new faces: Anthony Hughes, Kaleb Jenkins and Dillon Young also finished in double figures for the Majors. Hughes led the team with four assists, while Jenkins finished 3-6 shooting from beyond the three-point line. 

15 different players saw playing time for Head Coach Jimmy Smith, with 12 of them scoring on the offensive side of the floor. 

The Majors dominated Belhaven underneath as 52 of their points came from inside the paint. 

99 points is the most Millsaps has scored in a game since a 111-104 loss to Rhodes College back on February 9, 2018. 

What's Next?
The Majors will open up the home portion of the 2019-20 season on Thursday night by hosting LeTourneau University. Tip-off from inside the Hangar Dome is set for 7:00 p.m.