MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. - Allie Downing scored 22 points this evening to lead the Belmont Abbey Women's Basketball team past the University of Mount Olive 59-52.  With the win, the Crusaders improve to 18-8 on the season, and 14-4 in Conference Carolinas play.  The Trojans are now 15-9 overall, and 11-7 against conference opponents.

How it Happened

• Downing scored eight points in a first quarter that saw multiple lead changes, and neither team lead by more than three
• The Crusader defense, however, ended the quarter strong, giving up zero points in the last 2:50, and BAC led 15-14 when the period ended
• 3-pointers by Maria Kuhlman and Downing gave The Abbey a 21-14 lead early in the second.  Later in the quarter, the Crusader defense gave up no Trojan field goals over a span of nearly five minutes, to take a 28-19 lead
• The Abbey led 30-26 at halftime
• In the third, Brittany Autry scored five points in a 35-second span to increase The Abbey lead to 42-36.  The Crusaders held a 44-40 advantage heading into the final period
• After a Mount Olive basket to start the fourth, the Trojans only managed to score one point on the Crusaders over the next 7:27
• Fungate nailed two free throws to cap off the game, and Belmont Abbey took the 59-52 win
• On the night, Downing was the Crusader leader with 22 points and six rebounds
• Hannah Roney grabbed eight boards to tie her season-high.  She also had a season-high four steals

Up Next

Belmont Abbey will welcome Lees-McRae College to the Wheeler Center for its final home game of the regular season on Saturday, February 23.  Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. as the team will celebrate Alumni Night.