BANNER ELK, N.C. - Allie Downing finished with 19 points to lead the Belmont Abbey women's basketball team past Lees-McRae 68-49 this evening.  With the win, the Crusaders improve to 19-2 on the year, including 14-1 in conference play.  The Bobcats are now 7-16 overall, and 4-11 in Conference Carolinas play.  Belmont Abbey never trailed in the contest.

How it Happened

• Downing and Hannah Roney scored three-point baskets in the first 1:04 to put The Abbey on top early.  A 9-2 run made it a 15-7 lead.  By the end of the quarter, the Crusaders held a 22-14 advantage
• Belmont Abbey opened the second with a strong defensive effort, holding the Bobcats scoreless for the first 3:20 of the period.  After that, Lees-McRae did not score a field goal until the 18-second mark, and the Crusaders held a 42-22 lead at halftime
• Early in the third, Keyanna Spivey scored five points in 49 seconds.  By the end of the period, The Abbey held a 58-40 lead
• The fourth was also a defensive battle, as BAC held Lees-McRae to two field goals in the quarter and took the 68-49 victory
• On the night, Downing was the Crusader leader, with 19 points and seven rebounds
• Keyanna Spivey finished with 16 points and eight boards, while Maria Kuhlman also scored 16
• As a unit, the Crusaders shot 50% from the field for the contest

Up Next

Belmont Abbey will visit Converse College on Wednesday, February 5 at 6 p.m.