BELMONT, N.C. -- Mason Taylor scored 18 of his 23 points in the second half and Belmont Abbey overcame a nine-point deficit in the final seven minutes, leading to a thrilling 76-75 victory over Lees-McRae in Conference Carolinas men's basketball action on Saturday afternoon. The Crusaders trailed 67-58 with 7:09 to play, but used a 12-2 run to move ahead by one, 70-69 at the 2:38 mark

With its fifth win in six games, The Abbey improves to 5-5 overall and 3-1 in league play, while the Bobcats fall to 3-7, 0-4.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Three other players topped double figures in scoring -- Mario Lacy, Jr. with 16, Kyle Frazier with 12 and Wade Jackson with 10. Lacy added 12 rebounds for his third double-double of the season.
• Jaylen Jones dished out a career-high eight assists, while grabbing five rebounds. He also scored two points.
• Frazier's three-pointer from the left corner with 22 seconds gave the Crusaders the lead for good, 75-73. There were four lead changes in the final 2:13 and Lees-McRae missed a short jumper to win in the final two seconds.
• Belmont Abbey outshot the Bobcats 49.1 percent to 37.1 percent from the field.
• The Crusaders were outrebounded for just the third time this season, 38-36, and had one more turnover.

UP NEXT

• Belmont Abbey takes a week off for fall semester exams before returning to action next Saturday.
• The Crusaders travel to North Greenville in the final action before Christmas break.