BELMONT, N.C. - Kelli Thomas scored a season-high 11 points, and the Belmont Abbey women's basketball team cruised past Erskine 78-32 this evening.  It was The Abbey's highest margin of victory this season.  The team now stands at 13-2 on the year, with a 9-1 Conference Carolinas record.  The Flying Fleet are now 0-10 overall, with an 0-9 conference record.  The win also clinches a Conference Carolinas tournament appearance for Belmont Abbey.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• It was all Abbey right from the start.  The Crusaders were up 7-0 before Erskine scored its first point.  From there, The Abbey only gave up one point the rest of the period, and led 26-3 when the quarter ended
• Alexis Schulz got the scoring started for The Abbey in the second, but defense was the story in this quarter, as BAC only gave up one Erskine field goal in the first seven minutes of the period
• A layup by Thomas late in the quarter put Belmont Abbey in front 35-10 at halftime
• Brittany Autry scored four points early in the third.  Thomas again capped off the scoring for the quarter, and the Crusaders held a 53-21 advantage heading into the final period
• Shelby Darden scored four points early in the fourth.  Sydni Addison scored two 3-point baskets in a 1:32 span.  From there, the Crusaders wrapped up the 78-32 victory
• Addison and Autry scored 14 points each.  Thomas scored 11 and grabbed nine rebounds
• The 32 points allowed were the fewest since a 71-28 victory over Coker on Jan. 13, 2007

UP NEXT

Belmont Abbey will visit Mount Olive on Friday, February 12 for a 5 p.m. contest.