By John Fitzgerald

Belmont Abbey's men's basketball squad fell 71-41 tonight at King University.  It was the largest margin of defeat the Crusaders have suffered this season.  The loss brought the Abbey's record to 9-16 on the season, with a 5-12 conference record.  King improved to 19-5 on the year with a conference-best 14-2 record in league play.

The first half was very competitive, as neither team built a lead bigger than five points until the last four minutes of the half.  A King layup put the Tornado in front 13-6.  The Abbey defense responded by holding King to one field goal and no free throws over the next 5:33 to crawl to within a point.  The offense stalled, however, only scoring six points the rest of the half, and trailed 32-21 at halftime.

The second half was less competitive.  Sophomore Nick Hough scored three-pointers on back-to-back Abbey possessions.  This brought the Crusaders within six.  It was the closest the Abbey would come.  The Tornado put together a 13-0 run to go ahead 54-35.  In the end, Belmont Abbey lost the game 71-41.

The Abbey was not without its positive moments.  Hough led all scorers with 24, including 6 of 10 from three-point range.  Deion Lane grabbed eight rebounds and blocked three shots.  Freshman Aidan Richard blocked a game-high four King shots.

Belmont Abbey will be back in action on Wednesday for Senior Night.  The game will begin at 7:30PM against Lees-McRae College.