SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Allie Downing scored 23 points to lead the Belmont Abbey women's basketball team to a 59-57 comeback win at Converse College this evening.  The victory puts The Abbey at 16-8 on the year, including a 13-4 Conference Carolinas record.  Converse is now 11-11 overall, and 5-11 in conference play.  Tonight's contest was the Cancer Awareness game.

How it Happened

• Downing scored 10 of the 12 Crusader points in the first quarter.  Converse led 19-12 when the period ended
• In the second, it was Keyanna Spivey scoring a layup and hitting the ensuing free throw to spark a 9-2 Abbey run
• Alexis Schulz nailed a 3-point shot to close the period out for Belmont Abbey, who trailed 37-29 at halftime
• Downing again came out strong in the third, sinking two free throws to bring the Crusaders back to within two, at 37-35
• The Belmont Abbey defense closed out the quarter very strong, allowing just one Valkyries field goal over the last five minutes of the period.  The Abbey outscored Converse 13-8 in the quarter, and the Valkyries led 45-42 heading into the final period
• A layup by Downing less than a minute into the fourth tied the game at 46.  Near the end of the period, she got a steal, got fouled, then made a layup to give The Abbey its first lead of the game with 1:29 left
• On the night, Downing was the Crusader leader with 23 points and three steals
• Spivey posted a 12-point, nine-rebound night.  Maria Kuhlman contributed 11 points and five boards

Up Next

Belmont Abbey will host Warren Wilson College on Saturday, February 16 for a 4 p.m. game.