CENTRAL, S.C. -- For the second straight game, Khamani Wertz established a new career high, but a second-half rally came up short in a 76-67 decision against Southern Wesleyan Monday night. Two days after tallying 19 points at UNC Pembroke, the sophomore hit a game-high 27 vs. the Warriors.

Wertz tied the school record of nine three-pointers, established by DeQuan Abrom against Mount Olive on January 30, 2019.

With the result, the Crusaders fall to 1-11 overall and 0-9 in Conference Carolina play, while SWU improves to 5-11, 3-7.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Wertz connected on his nine threes on 13 attempts. He also grabbed a rebound and dished out an assist.
• Dionte Alexander and Judah Sault also reached double figures, tallying 11 and 10 points, respectively.
• Alhousseny Diallo grabbed a career-high 11 rebounds.
•  Belmont Abbey trailed by as many as 24 points late in the first half and by 17 at the break, but closed the gap to eight in the first six minutes of the second.

UP NEXT

• Belmont Abbey returns home to face Northwest Division rival King on Wednesday.
• Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. in the Wheeler Center.