BELMONT, N.C. – The Belmont Abbey women's basketball team got off to a quick start and led wire-to-wire in a 68-38 victory over Erskine in Conference Carolinas action Monday at the Wheeler Center. It is the largest margin of victory this season for the Crusaders. It was the first home game for The Abbey in 2022 due to schedule changes. The Crusaders won its second straight contest and advanced to 7-5 overall and 5-3 in conference play. Erskine moved to 0-11 overall and 0-8 in the conference.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Crusaders started the contest on a 14-2 run that included a run of thanks to a 14-2 run to begin the game.
• Brittany Autry provided the early boost with consecutive layups to begin the game. She finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and a blocked shot.
• The Abbey led 22-6 at the end of the first quarter and held the Flying Fleet to just two field goals in the period.
• Jo Snow connected on three 3-pointers in the first half as part of her 13 points for the game.
• Alexis Schulz stepped up in the second half for the Crusaders by scoring 12 of her team-high 15 points in the period. She also added three assists, a pair of rebounds and a steal.
• The Abbey pulled away by outscoring the Flying Fleet 24-13 in the third quarter.
• Belmont Abbey held a strong 45-18 advantage in rebounding. Autry led the Crusaders in that category while Sydni Clawges added six rebounds in the win. 
• The Crusaders recorded 17 assists in Monday's contest.

UP NEXT

• The Crusaders continue its three-game Conference Carolinas home stand against Lees-McRae at 5 p.m. Wednesday back at the Wheeler Center.
• Wednesday's contest continues a stretch of five home games out of the next six for the Crusaders.