Basketball Recap: Malik Cauthen's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Belleview over Crystal River

Belleview was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their fifth straight defeat. They were six points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 56-50 heartbreaker at the hands of the Crystal River Pirates. Sadly, that's the second time they've come up short against the Rattlers this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 79-57 back in November of 2024.

Several Rattlers players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Malik Cauthen, who posted 16 points. Anthony Klima was another key player, putting up 13 points.

Crystal River's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Gavin Eddings led the charge by scoring nine points and seven rebounds. That's the most boards Eddings has posted since back in December of 2023. Another player making a difference was Jordan Dumal, who almost dropped a double-double on ten points and nine rebounds.

Belleview's loss dropped their record down to 6-13. As for Crystal River, the win was the third in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 12-7.

Belleview wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next matchup, a 67-31 defeat against Lake Weir on the 24th. Crystal River has also already played their next game (against Lecanto), but no score has been uploaded at the time of writing.