Belmont Abbey freshman guard Mercedes King established a career-high with 15 points on a perfect night of shooting from the floor as the Crusaders women's basketball team defeated Pfeiffer 71-62 this evening at the Wheeler Center. The Abbey, winners of two straight and five of its last six, improve to 11-4 overall and 7-2 in Conference Carolinas, while the Lady Falcons fall to 6-8 overall and 3-4 in Conference Carolinas.

King led three Crusaders in double figures as she posted 15 points on five of five shooting from the field, to go along with five rebounds. Sophomore guard Courtney Naquin and junior guard Marie Marquez both finished with 12 points as the Crusaders shot 47.1 percent (24-51) from the floor. Marquez added three assists and four steals, while Naquin added a pair of assists and a steal. Freshman forwards Shayla Jackson and Asha Hardaway both led the way with seven rebounds as the Crusaders held a 37-35 advantage on the boards.

Pfeiffer was led by Kalee Smith's 17 points as she registered a perfect shooting performance, sinking all seven of her field goal attempts, including a three-pointer, and both free throw attempts. Ashelle Athlill added 15 points on four of 12 shooting from the field, and Allegra Shanee' Purnell contributed 11 points as the Falcons shot 35.2 percent (19-54) from the floor.

The Abbey is back in action Monday afternoon at 2:00 when it goes on the road to face Mount Olive.