BELMONT, N.C. - Freshman Allie Downing led a trio of Crusaders who scored in double figures, but Limestone won the contest 72-57.  The Crusaders are now 12-6 on the year and 9-2 in Conference Carolinas play.  The Saints are now 15-3 overall, and 10-1 in conference play.

A 3-pointer by Maria Kuhlman gave the Crusaders an early 4-point lead.  After the teams traded baskets for a while, the defensive play limited Limestone to one field goal in the final four minutes of the quarter.  Limestone led 13-12 after the first.  That defensive performance carried into the second, as the Crusaders did not give up a point in the first four minutes of the period.  This helped The Abbey build a 16-13 lead, capped by two Keyanna Spivey free throws.  The Saints then went three minutes without scoring on the tough Crusader defense.  At halftime, the Saints held a 25-24 advantage.

In the third, the Crusaders again forced Limestone into a scoring drought early, while Downing made a layup to put the Crusaders in front 29-27.  Spivey made a jumper at the 4:26 mark before a drought put the Saints in front 49-39 at the end of the third.  Emry Tsitouris made a free throw to give The Abbey its first point of the fourth.  Downing made another layup, capped by a free throw to pull Belmont Abbey to within eight.  At the end, however, Limestone took the 72-57 win.

On the day, Downing's 12 points led the Crusaders.  She also grabbed four rebounds.  Kuhlman finished with 11 points, while Spivey scored 10 and pulled down six boards.  Briana Grier and Hannah Roney each handed out three assists.

The Crusaders will next visit Erskine College on Friday, January 26.  That game will tip off at 5:30 p.m.