BELMONT, N.C. -- Junior Sean Halloran hit a three-pointer with 10.7 seconds to play, giving Belmont Abbey its only lead of the contest and a 68-67 victory over 22nd-ranked UNC Pembroke Saturday afternoon at the Wheeler Center. The contest was the season-opener for both teams. The shot from the left wing capped a rally that saw the Crusaders down 12-0 at the start of the game and by eight points with 5:16 to play.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Charles Solomon, who assisted on the game-winner, led The Abbey with 13 points, five rebounds and one assist.
• Halloran tallied 12 points, with LJ McCoy also reaching double figures with 10 points.
• The Crusaders connected on 62.5 percent from the field in the second half to finish the contest at 51.1 percent. The Braves were limited to 33.3 percent after intermission and 42.2 percent overall.
• After falling behind 12-0 in the first five minutes and 18-4 at its biggest point, Belmont Abbey cut the margin to four, 26-22, at the 4:29 mark, but UNCP was able to stretch the lead back to double figures, 37-27 at the break.
• The Braves' lead was still in double figures at 56-46 with 8:30 remaining, before the first Crusader charge. Seven straight points cut the gap to four, 58-54 with 5:43 remaining. UNCP scored four straight but The Abbey again closed to two, 62-60 with 4:14 to play.
• Solomon hit a pair of free throws with 2:04 for the final points before Halloran's three. Each team missed a pair of free throws in the final 55 seconds that could have altered the outcome.
• Both team had an uncharacteristic number of turnovers (22 for the Crusaders and 21 for the Braves), while UNCP held a slim 25-24 rebounding edge.
• Tyrell Kirk led all scorers with 23 points.

UP NEXT

• Belmont Abbey hits the road for the first time this season on Thursday when it begins a home-and-home series at Bluefield State.
• The two teams are also scheduled to meet in the Wheeler Center next Saturday.