BELMONT, N.C. - Brittany Autry led all scorers with 22 points, and the 16-ranked Belmont Abbey women's basketball team earned a 68-59 win over the number four seed King, and advance to the Conference Carolinas Championship game.  The Abbey has now won 17 straight games, and holds a 21-2 record.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Autry scored each of the first four Abbey points, as the teams went back and forth throughout the first quarter.  Near the end of the period, the Crusaders made three 3-point baskets in a row, and led 14-12 at the end of the quarter
• The second was also very close, with neither team building a lead bigger than four.  A layup by Keyanna Spivey in the final minute of the period gave BAC a 28-27 lead at halftime
• Autry scored the first six Crusader points of the third, giving The Abbey a 34-29 lead
• Later in the quarter, a 9-2 Crusader run put BAC in front 45-40.  King led 48-47 heading into the final period
• The fourth quarter was all Abbey.  BAC opened up the quarter with a 7-0 run over the first 1:31
• Later in the period, the Crusaders held the Tornado to one field goal over a 3:35 span.  The Abbey made its free throws in the later part of the period to wrap up the 68-59 victory
• On the night, Autry was the Crusaders' leader, with 22 points and nine rebounds
• Irelynn Davisson chipped in 14 points and two steals
• Taylor Stelley handed out a game-high five assists

UP NEXT

Belmont Abbey will host number 2 seed Barton in the Conference Carolinas Championship on Sunday, March 7.  Tipoff is slated for 2 p.m.