BANNER ELK, N.C. -- Belmont Abbey opened with an 18-2 run and never looked back in an 73-46 victory over Lees-McRae Saturday that guaranteed at least a share of the 2022-23 Conference Carolinas regular-season championship for the Crusaders (21-4, 18-1). The start, which included 15 straight points after a 3-2 score in the first minute, expanded to 27-6 after the first quarter.

The Abbey hit all five three-pointers and 10 of 11 overall from the field -- plus both free throws -- in the opening quarter. Cate Scheiber hit three triples in the period, while Taylor Stelley added eight points during that span.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Abigail Crane led four players in double figures with 18 points, hitting seven of 11 field-goal attempts. Scheiber finished with 14 points, while and Stelley and Catherine Hendershott added 10 points apiece. 
• The Crusaders shot 70.0 percent in the first half, doubling up the Bobcats by a 42-21 score. They finished the game at 56.8 percent, a season-high.
• Conversely, Lees-McRae was limited to 28.3 percent shooting.
• The Abbey held a 39-20 rebounding advantage as well.
• The title in the seventh in Belmont Abbey women's basketball history and third in four years. The previous six championships were all outright.

UP NEXT

• Belmont Abbey will play for the outright title in its regular-season finale Wednesday.
• The Crusaders travel to UNC Pembroke in the only matchup of the season between two of the top three teams in the league standings.
• The Abbey will clinch the No. 1 seed with a win or Francis Marion loss or be the No. 2 seed with a loss and Francis Marion win.