BELMONT, N.C. – The Belmont Abbey men's basketball team got off to a fast start and never trailed en route to a 114-54 victory over Mount Olive in Conference Carolinas play Friday at the Wheeler Center. The result marked the fourth victory in the last five home contests for The Abbey.

The Crusaders moved to 10-8 overall and 8-6 in conference play while the Trojans are 9-10 and 8-7, respectively.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• A 12-0 run over a four-minute stretch in the first half gave Belmont Abbey a 16-4 lead early in the half.
• Sean Halloran led the way with 11 points and three steals in the first 20 minutes. He finished with 15 points and was one of six Crusaders to finish in double figures.
• Chandler Baker also finished with 15 points and five rebounds.
• The Crusaders also closed the half strong with a 14-3 run over the final 4:21 to push their halftime lead to 56-25.
• LJ McCoy helped The Abbey keep up the fast pace on offense by scoring 13 of his game-high 18 points in the second half.
• KJ Garrett finished a perfect 6-of-6 from the field and finished with 13 points off the bench for The Abbey. Ryan Maslow also added three 3-pointers as part of his 11-point effort. The 63-point advantage late in the second half is the largest lead the Crusaders have held this season.
• The Crusaders shot 63.4 percent from the field for the game.
• Belmont Abbey outrebounded Mount Olive 48-25 in the contest and five Crusaders had six rebounds each.
• The Abbey also held a 20-8 advantage in assists with Halloran, Baker and Aldridge recording four each.
• The 60-point advantage is the largest margin of victory for The Abbey since a 105-41 win against Christendom back in January of 2019. 

UP NEXT

• The Crusaders conclude the second game of a back-to-back against Barton at 4:30 p.m. Saturday at the Wheeler Center.
• Saturday's contest will mark the sixth home game in January for The Abbey.