MARS HILL, N.C.— There was more than 40 minutes needed to decide a winner for the Belmont Abbey women's basketball team at Mars Hill Friday afternoon at Stanford Gymnasium. 
 
Despite rallying late, Mars Hill made a pair of free throws in the second overtime to earn a 61-59 victory over the Crusaders.
 
Peyton Nation led all scorers with 19 points, just one point shy of her career high. She also had eight rebounds, three steals and a blocked shot. Abigail Crain added 15 points as well in the contest along with three steals.
 
The contest was the season opener for both teams and part of the Conference Carolinas/South Atlantic Conference Challenge.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Crusaders jumped out to a good start by scoring the game's first six points.
• Nation had 12 of her 19 points in the opening quarter.
• Despite scoring five points in the second quarter, Belmont Abbey responded with a 15-3 output in the third quarter.
• The Crusaders held the Lions to one field goal in the third quarter.
• Riley James made a basket with 3:47 to make it 49-44 before Mars Hill rallied to force overtime.
• The game was still tied at 52-52 entering the second overtime.
• James made a 3-pointer with 28 seconds left to the tie the game at 59.
• Mars Hill drew a foul with one second remaining and hit both free throws to earn the win.
• The Crusaders forced 28 turnovers from the Lions.
• Belmont Abbey had 14 steals in the contest led by Cate Schieber with four.
• Valeria Batista made her first career start for the Abbey and finished with seven points, five rebounds and two blocks.
• Lillian Bates and Ella Stakem both made their Crusader debuts in the contest.

UP NEXT

• The Crusaders conclude the CC/SAC Challenge with a contest against Emory & Henry at 1 p.m. Saturday back at Mars Hill.
• The contest is the second of four games away from home to begin the season.