Belmont Abbey senior forward Chad Patus led the Crusaders with 16 points, but the Abbey men's basketbal team's late rally fell short as it fell to the visiting Limestone Saints by a 70-62 decision this evening at the Wheeler Center. Limestone, winners of seven-straight, move to 17-7 overall and 12-6 in Conference Carolinas, while the Abbey dips to 12-13 overall and 7-11 in Conference Carolinas.

Patus led three Crusaders in double figures with 16 points on five of 11 shooting to go along with three rebounds and two steals. Richard Barbee added 14 points, eight rebounds three steals and an assist, and Kyle Phillips recorded a double double with 11 points and ten rebounds. Patrick Kuhlman led all players with six assists. The Abbey shot 35 percent from the field and 32 percent from three-point range.

Limestone shot 39 percent as Jarrell Douglas led five Saints in double figures with 16 points. Stewart Clark, Danny Friend and Tyron Evans all finished with 11 points, while Anthony Middleton chipped in with ten. Evans notched a double double has he corralled 11 rebounds as Limestone won the battle of the boards, 42-38.

The Saints led 27-25 at the half and outscored the Abbey 43-37 in the final stanza.