BELMONT, N.C. - Allie Downing tied her career-high with 23 points and the Belmont Abbey women's basketball team cruised by Converse 95-39 this evening.  The win makes 13 in a row for the Crusaders, who are now 17-2 overall and 13-1 in Conference Carolinas play. The team has clinched at least a no. 2 seed in the Conference tournament.  Converse is now 6-13, with a 5-10 conference record.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Brittany Autry made a layup to put The Abbey in front 9-8 and the Crusaders never looked back from there
• Belmont Abbey went on a 7-0 run the end the quarter, and BAC held a 21-13 lead heading into the second
• The second quarter was all Abbey.  After giving up two Converse baskets in the first two minutes of the period, the tough Abbey defense did not give up another field goal in the last eight minutes of the frame
• Downing scored five points in a 1:10 span.  Maria Kuhlman knocked down a 3-pointer to end the quarter, and Belmont Abbey had a 50-20 halftime lead. The Crusaders outscored the Valkyries 29-7 in the quarter
• A layup by Hannah Roney gave BAC a 34-point lead early in the third. Later in the period, BAC held Converse scoreless for four minutes.  Alexis Schulz ended the quarter with a 3-point basket, and the Crusaders held a commanding 71-30 lead heading into the final period
• Schulz also got the fourth started with a 3-pointer for The Abbey. Belmont Abbey went on a 9-0 run to end the game and the 95-39 win. All nine points at the end were scored by Keyla Hines and Sydni Clawges
• Downing finished the night with 23 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Crusaders
• Nine other Abbey players scored in the game. Seniors combined for 72 points

UP NEXT

Belmont Abbey will visit Lees-McRae on Tuesday, February 23 for a 5 p.m. contest.