BELMONT, N.C. – The Belmont Abbey women's basketball team put together a strong comeback, erasing a seven-point fourth-quarter deficit en route to a 52-47 victory over Clayton State Friday at the Wheeler Center. The Crusaders outscored the Lakers 17-5 over the final 10 minutes to complete the comeback. Belmont Abbey also trailed by as much as 11 points in the first half. Belmont Abbey is now 3-1 on the season while Clayton State is now 4-2.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Kelli Thomas and Keyanna Spivey accounted for the first two field goals to give The Abbey an early 4-0 lead.
• Belmont Abbey got off to a good start and jumped ahead to a 15-11 at the end of the first quarter.
• Jo Snow was one of four Crusaders to finish in double figures scoring, leading the way with 12 points.
• The Crusaders closed the first half on a 9-1 run to cut the halftime deficit to 27-24. Thomas finished with a game-high 13 rebounds for Belmont Abbey.
• Brittany Autry had 11 points off the bench for The Abbey, including eight in the final quarter.
• Sydni Clawges recorded her first double-double of the season, tallying 10 points and 10 rebounds.
• The Crusaders made five free throws in the final 1:18 to secure the win.
• Alexis Schulz and Taylor Stelley both made their first starts of the season for the Crusaders.

UP NEXT

• Belmont Abbey closes out the weekend with a game against Lander at 6 p.m. Saturday back at the Wheeler Center.