DUE WEST, S.C. - Freshman Keyanna Spivey grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds as Belmont Abbey claimed a 69-52 victory over conference opponent Erskine College this evening.  The win moves The Abbey to 13-6 this year, with a 10-2 conference record.  Erskine is now 4-14 overall, and 3-9 in Conference Carolinas play.

The Crusaders went on an 8-0 run to take an early lead.  Emry Tsitouris scored six points in the opening quarter, helping the Crusaders to a 16-9 lead at the close of the period.  Belmont Abbey made eight free throws in the quarter.  In the second, it was the defense that prevented the Flying Fleet from scoring in the opening two minutes.  The defense finished the period strong as well, giving up just one Erskine field goal in the last three minutes.  The Crusaders held a 21-20 advantage at halftime.

The third quarter was back and forth, with neither team able to build a lead of more than three, until a layup by Tsitouris gave The Abbey a 35-31 lead.  Later in the period, freshman Irelynn Davis scored five points in a span of 28 seconds to put the Crusaders in front 40-31 at the 1:36 mark.  Tsitouris had another six-point quarter, and The Abbey led 40-37 heading into the final period.

The Crusader offense exploded in the fourth.  A 7-2 run put Belmont Abbey up 51-44.  Near the end of the period, The Abbey went on a 14-0 run, capped by a Keyla Hines layup.  The Crusaders scored 29 points in the quarter to finish off the 69-52 win.

On the night, Tsitouris was the leading scorer for the Crusaders, with 16.  She also grabbed nine boards.  Spivey pulled down a career-high 15 rebounds.  Briana Grier scored 12 points and handed out six assists.  Spivey and fellow freshman Allie Downing each earned three steals.

Belmont Abbey will travel to Franklin Springs, Ga. tomorrow to take on the Emmanuel College Lions.  That game will tip off at 2 p.m.