BELMONT, N.C. – The Belmont Abbey women's basketball team played its final game of the 2021 calendar year against Conference Carolinas newcomer UNC Pembroke Saturday at the Wheeler Center. The Crusaders were locked in a close battle in the first half but it was the Braves who pulled away with a 68-52 victory. Belmont Abbey is now 5-5 overall and 3-3 in Conference Carolinas play while UNC Pembroke moved to 8-3 and 6-1, respectively.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• After falling behind 10-5 midway through the first quarter, Belmont Abbey outscored UNC Pembroke 8-3 to pull even at 13-13 after the first 10 minutes.
• Brittany Autry provided a brief spark off the bench of the Crusaders to begin the second quarter.
• She made her first two shots as The Abbey started the period with a 6-2 run. Jo Snow finished as the leading scorer with 15 points, 10 of which came after halftime.
• Keyanna Spivey led the Crusaders with six points and finished with 14 for the game.
• Taylor Stelley had a game-high five assists for The Abbey.
• Belmont Abbey finished with a 35-28 advantage in rebounding.
• Kelli Thomas led the way with 12 rebounds. It is the fifth game this season she's finished with double figures on the boards. 
• The Crusaders finished the game on a 9-2 run over the final 3:35.

UP NEXT

• The Crusaders are off for two weeks for Christmas Break.
• The Abbey returns to Conference Carolinas play at Francis Marion at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 4, 2022 in Florence, S.C.
• The next home game at the Wheeler Center will against Mount Olive at 5 p.m. Jan. 7 against Mount Olive.