BELMONT, N.C. -- Chandler Baker scored a career-high 18 points and Belmont Abbey posted a new season best for field-goal defense, leading the Crusaders to a 73-57 victory over Southern Wesleyan in Conference Carolinas men's basketball action Tuesday night.

Sean Halloran added 16 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Quest Aldridge chipped in 11 points, four rebounds and five assists to round out The Abbey's double-figure scorers.

Belmont Abbey improves to 7-2, 5-1 in league play, while Southern Wesleyan is now 2-2 overall and in the conference.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Belmont Abbey limited Southern Wesleyan to 32.8% shooting from the field, including just 20% from three-point range. The Warriors missed 19 of their last 20 from behind the arc after making six of their first 16.
• The crusaders opened the contest on a 10-2 run but SWU later scored 11 straight to lead 28-20. Another 10-2 run tied the game at 30 before the teams traded baskets until a 36-34 lead at the break for the visitors.
• In the second half, Belmont Abbey scored seven straight points to open a 43-38 lead, then pushed the margin to double digits with a 12-1 spurt that made the score 63-49 with 7:54 left the play. The biggest difference was 17 points, 68-51, at the 4:44 mark.
• The Crusaders held a 19-rebound advantage on the boards, grabbing a season high 47 compared to just 28 for the Warriors. Mario Lacy, Jr., topped double figures for the second time this year with 12 caroms.
• The win gave the Crusaders a season sweep over Southern Wesleyan following an 80-69 victory in Central, S.C., exactly one week ago.

UP NEXT

• Belmont Abbey remains at home when it hosts Lees-McRae on Thursday night.
• The matchup features the top two teams in the league standings as the Bobcats are 3-0.