BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Three Belmont Abbey players reached double figures, but it was not enough as the Crusaders dropped an 86-73 decision at King in a Conference Carolinas men's basketball matinee Wednesday afternoon. LJ McCoy led the way with 17 points, while Sean Halloran chipped in 16 points. Mario Lacy recorded his second straight double-double -- and third of the season -- with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

The Crusaders fall to 5-5 overall, 3-3 in league play, while King improves to 5-4, 3-4.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Halloran also grabbed six rebounds and dished out three assists.
• Belmont Abbey outshot King overall, hitting 45.6 percent from the field, but connected on just 37 percent in the opening half. The Tornado took advantage, holding a 39-29 lead at the break.
• The Crusaders held a six-point advantage, 17-11, with 12:43 remaining in the first, but King held The Abbey scoreless over a span of 6:58 for a 14-0 run.
• The 13-point margin of defeat was the same number as the free throw difference. The Tornado converted 28 of 35 (80.0 percent) at the line, while Belmont Abbey made just 15 of 29 attempts (51.7 percent).

UP NEXT

• Belmont Abbey wraps up the 2021 portion of its schedule on Saturday.
• The Crusaders host league newcomer UNC Pembroke for a 4:30 p.m. contest in the Wheeler Center.