The Belmont Abbey men's basketball team shot 45.8 percent from the floor and the defense forced 25 turnovers as the Crusaders earned a key 81-60 road win at Lees-McRae this evening. The victory improves the Abbey record to 7-4 overall and 4-1 in Conference Carolinas, while the Bobcats fall to 1-16 overall and 1-6 in Conference Carolinas. It is the Abbey's fifth-straight win over the Bobcats.

Senior guard Jonathan Jackson led four Crusaders in double figures with 20 points on six of 15 shooting from the floor while handing out one assist and two steals. Sophomore guard Richard Barbee finished added 19 points on six of 11 shooting from the field, and sank seven of eight free throw attempts. He totaled six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Junior forward Chad Patus finished with 11 points and a team-high eight rebounds, and senior Chris McDowell contributed ten points on five of seven shooting as the Abbey shot 45.8 percent (27-50) from the floor.

Lees-McRae shot 34.9 percent (22-63) from the field as Kyle Boardman led all players with 26 points and 11 rebounds, while Stephen Haymer finished with 17 points.

Belmont Abbey led 36-30 at the half and outscored the Bobcats 45-30 in the second stanza as it shot a blistering 58.3 percent (14-24) from the field while holding Lees-McRae to a 30 percent effort (9-30). Neither team shot well from three-point range, as the Abbey converted three of its 14 attempts, while the Bobcats converted two of their 22 attempts.

The Abbey is back in action Saturday afternoon at 4:00 when it hosts Coker at the Wheeler Center.