MARS HILL, N.C. -- Five players topped double figures Saturday night, but Belmont Abbey dropped a close 81-76 decision at Mars Hill. The game concluded the SAC-Conference Carolinas Challenge.

Newcomers Wade Jackson and Mason Taylor tallied 18 and 17 points, respectively to top the scoring column.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Charles Solomon scored 13 points and grabbed a team-high eight rebounds, while KJ Garrett and Ryan Maslow added 10 points each.
• Garrett dished out six assists, while making a pair of steals.
• The Crusaders held a 34-24 rebounding advantage, but committed 17 turnovers.
• Belmont Abbey topped 50 percent (27-52/51.9 percent) for the second straight night.

UP NEXT

• Belmont Abbey stays on the road for a third straight road game on Wednesday.
• The Crusaders travel to Catawba for a 7 p.m. start.