FAIRMONT — While the final score will say different, the Three Rivers Conference opener between South Robeson and Fairmont was much closer than it appeared.

The Mustangs used a 15-2 run in the first six minutes of the fourth quarter to pull away for a 70-55 victory Friday night.

South Robeson coach Bryan Grice said getting his players to calm down was the key.

"The guys were finally able to relax in the fourth quarter," Grice said. "Plus, they (Fairmont) missed some shots that led to us getting some early baskets."

With the game tied at 44 heading into the fourth, two free throws by Tyray Belin started the run for South Robeson (3-4, 1-0). Belin finished the contest with a game-high 27 points. A steal and layup by Leander Vanderhall edged the Mustangs' lead to 48-44. Vanderhall netted 15 in the game.

After two free throws by Fairmont's Doug Blue trimmed the lead to 48-46 with 5:37 left in the game, South Robeson and Anthony Ratley took over.

Ratley penetrated down the lane and dished off to Kasey Edwards for layups on two consecutive possessions. Ratley later found Belin under the basket for another layup as the Mustangs built the lead to 54-46.

"He's a good athlete and did a good job with the ball," Grice said about Ratley. "I told him he had to slow down a little bit and see what was going on. He did a job of breaking down the defense and finding the open man."

The Mustangs continued to build on their lead as Jarius McIntosh hit a layup and Ratley drained a 3-pointer from the left wing to extend the advantage to 59-46 with 1:58 left in the game.

Two free throws by Fairmont's Donte Smith ended the run, but it was too late for the Golden Tornadoes (4-4, 0-1).

Fairmont will return to action Wednesday night at Purnell Swett in the first round of the Robeson County Shootout, while South Robeson will travel to Richmond County Tuesday night.