MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. - Allie Downing scored 18 points to guide the Belmont Abbey women's basketball team past Mount Olive 72-58 this afternoon.  The win marks the 11th in a row for Belmont Abbey, which now stands at 15-2 on the year, with a 11-1 conference mark.  The Trojans are now 6-5, both overall and in conference play.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• UMO jumped out to an early lead, but Downing scored the last three points of the opening quarter to pull the Crusaders to within three, at 13-10
• BAC opened up the second with a 9-0 lead, starting with a 3-pointer by Maria Kuhlman
• Later in the period, the Crusaders went on an 8-0 run to take a 27-20 lead, including back-to-back 3-pointers by Downing
• Kelli Thomas scored the last three points of the quarter, making it a 15-2 Belmont Abbey run over the last five minutes of the quarter.  BAC held a 34-22 halftime lead
• Brittany Autry quickly made two layups early in the third, to give Belmont Abbey a 12-point lead.  The Crusaders held a 45-41 advantage heading into the final period
• In the fourth, The Abbey scored early and often, with Taylor Stelly knocking down a 3-pointer just 13 seconds into the quarter
• After the Trojans pulled to within three, the Crusaders went on a 9-0 run to take a 58-46 lead
• The stubborn Abbey defense gave up just two Mount Olive field goals over the last eight minutes of the quarter, to help the Crusaders wrap up the 72-58 victory
• On the day, Downing led the Crusaders with 18 points and nine rebounds
• Autry scored 15 points, while Keyanna Spivey pulled down eight boards

UP NEXT

Belmont Abbey will welcome Chowan on Tuesday, February 16 for a 5 p.m. matchup.