Despite three Crusaders scoring at least 25 points, the Belmont Abbey men's basketball team dropped a 96-92 decision in overtime at Anderson University this evening in the Conference Carolinas opener for both schools. The Abbey falls to 2-1 overall and 0-1 in Conference Carolinas.

Sophomore forward Kyle Phillips poured in a career-high 28 points, while junior guard Richard Barbee added 25 and senior forward Chad Patus added 24. Phillips converted 13 of his 19 field goal attempts to go along with seven rebounds in 38 minutes. Barbee was nearly perfect from the field, sinking ten of his 12 field goal attempts with six rebounds, four assists and two steals in 43 minutes. Patus recorded his second double double in three games with 24 points on six of 11 shooting with a game-high 13 rebounds with three assists and a steal in 44 minutes.

Belmont Abbey shot 60 percent from the field while Anderson recorded a 59 percent output, but in overtime the Trojans outscored the Abbey 12-8. Anderson was three for five shooting in overtime while the Abbey was two for four from the field.

The Crusaders led 49-41 at the half but Anderson gained the edge in the final 20 minutes to even the game. Anderson led 84-79 with 1:55 left in regulation, but Patus scored the last five points in regulation, including a free throw with 31 seconds left to knot the game at 84. His second free throw attempt was missed and rebounded by the Trojan's but Tony Anderson's field goal attempt with four seconds left missed, sending the game into overtime.

Anderson led the Trojans with 32 points while Trey Britton finished with 16. Brandon Young added 15 and Nick Trull posted 12.