DUE WEST, SC - The Belmont Abbey women's basketball team lost to Erskine 86-67 at Belk Arena this afternoon.  The Crusaders are now 5-2 in 2016 with a 3-1 record against conference opponents.  Erskine now sits at 3-5 on the year and 2-2 in conference play.

The Abbey jumped out to an early 7-2 lead as senior Morgan Midkiff sunk a deep three-pointer.  It then fell into a deficit off an Erskine run, which the Crusaders climbed out of by hitting several free throws.  At the end of the first, the Flying Fleet had a 22-21 lead.  Belmont Abbey managed to stay close throughout the second.  A jump shot by junior Alex Busch pulled the Crusaders within four with 4:12 left in the half.  Busch and senior Alexius Hampton would score the final points of the period for the Abbey, which trailed 40-29 at halftime.

Erskine scored a couple baskets early in the third to take a 17-point lead.  Guard Larisa Bishop helped cut the deficit on a three-pointer that made it a 52-39 game.  The Crusader defense also forced the Flying Fleet offense into a span of 3:19 in which it scored no field goals.  By the end of the period, Erskine held a 63-45 advantage.  The fourth started out well for the Abbey in the fourth, as Midkiff nailed a three-point shot early in the quarter.  She made another one at the 5:24 mark to pull the Crusaders within 12 and create some momentum.  The Abbey pulled as close as 10 before Erskine went on a run.  The Flying Fleet took the game 86-67.

On the day, Midkiff led the Abbey with 21 points.  Forward Gabrielle Bethel grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds.  Guard Alexius Hampton handed out five assists.

The Crusaders will be back in action on Monday, December 19 when they visit Coker.