The Colorado College men's basketball team outlasted a well-fought battle against Belhaven on Saturday, Dec. 9, at Reid Arena with a 65-60 to get back above .500 on the season. 
 
"Tonight was an absolute war," head coach Jeff Conarroe said. "Belhaven has a heck of a team. We are thrilled to get out of there with a win. Our defense was superb in the second half and we had some guys hit some big shots."
 
CC didn't have any players score in double digits but did have 10 different players put points on the scoreboard. Scott Ruegg led the team with nine points, three rebounds, one assist and a steal. 
 
Sophomore Corey Shively made an impact in the second half. The Denver native made only his second appearance on the season but contributed nine minutes, six points and three rebounds. Forward Trey Crawford led the team with seven rebounds and contributed eight points. 
 
"I'm really proud of our improved sense of urgency and discipline defensively. Their zone gave us some trouble at times but we continue to get better there as well," Conarroe said.
 
It was a collective effort to fight off a talented Belhaven squad that came into the game with five wins. The Blazers led by one at the halftime break 35-34 despite the Tigers outshooting their opposition with a 42.42 floor percentage. Belhaven did get to the line 15 times in the first half and made 11 of their attempts, which was the difference at the break. 
 
In the second half, the Blazers increased their lead to four before CC eventually tied it up 41-41 with 14:56 left in the game thanks to a Gavin Carter three-pointer. A couple of plays later, Kevin Dittman nailed another three-pointer to give the Tigers the lead 44-41.  
 
CC wouldn't lose the lead for the remainder of the game but the Blazers didn't go away quietly into the night and brought the game back within three points despite CC building their lead up to eight with four minutes to play. 
 
After Belhaven brought the game back within three points with 2:08 left to play, the Tigers would prevent them from scoring again, forcing a couple of empty possessions. Gavin Carter made two crucial free-throws with eight seconds left to seal the win. 
 
"All the credit to our guys," Conarroe said.  "They are really putting the team first and we are able to play a lot of guys. When they get their shot, they give it all they got.  I'm most proud of our fight and toughness tonight. We didn't back down from the fight!"
 
Three of the Tigers' wins this year have come in close games with the final score being determined by five points or less. They have also lost two games determined by eight points or less. 
 
CC outrebounded Belhaven 41-40 and forced 18 turnovers while only giving up 11.
 
The Tigers will return to action on Friday, Dec. 15 when SCAC play kicks off against Texas Lutheran inside Reid Arena.