BELMONT, N.C. -- Senior Jaylon Simpson scored a career-high 22 points and Mason Taylor added 21, but preseason favorite UNC Pembroke escaped with a 67-56 victory over Belmont Abbey in Conference Carolinas men's basketball action Saturday afternoon at the Wheeler Center. The Crusaders shot just 32.7 percent (17 of 52) from the field, a season-low, while the Braves connected at a 49.0 percent (25 of 51) clip.

With the result, The Abbey falls to 5-11 overall and 4-3 in league play, while UNCP improves to 12-3, 6-0.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Simpson canned five field goals and hit 11 of 14 free throw attempts to top his previous best of 15 against North Greenville. His total for both makes and tries were the most by anyone on the team this season.
• Taylor knocked down eight baskets, including a pair from three-point range. He also grabbed six rebounds, which tied him for the team lead.
• Jacori Owens also grabbed six boards to equal the team best.
• Wade Jackson had the only assist for Belmont Abbey.
• The Crusaders forced 18 UNC Pembroke turnovers, while committing just 11.
• Belmont Abbey trailed by as many as 22 points in the second half, the last at 53-31 with 14:05 to play.
• However, an 8-0 run helped the Crusaders close to within seven, 63-56 with 49 seconds remaining, with a missed three 15 seconds later that would have cut the margin to four.
• The Braves held a 37-26 rebounding advantage and trailed for only 13 seconds in the contest.

UP NEXT

• After three straight home games, The Abbey takes to the road on Wednesday night.
• The Crusaders travel to Banner Elk, N.C., for a key Northwest Division matchup against Lees-McRae.