AIKEN, S.C. — Leigha Dennison scored nine of her team-high 16 points in the fourth quarter as Belmont Abbey overcame a slow start and a fourth-quarter deficit to defeat USC Aiken 62-57 Saturday afternoon at the Aiken Convocation Center.

Trailing 50-45 with just under five minutes remaining, Dennison scored six straight points as part of a 10-2 run as the Crusaders regained the lead.

Madison Lusk made a three-pointer with 2:27 remaining to take the lead for good over the Pacers as Belmont Abbey was able to close the game out from there with free throws.

Dennison finished with a team-high 16 points to go with four rebounds and four steals. Janiah Shular added 14 points to go with eight rebounds, three steals and an assist.

With Saturday's result, Belmont Abbey improves to 5-1 on the season while USC Aiken is now 1-4.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• In her first start of the season, Valeria Batista scored the opening basket for the Crusaders.
• James accounted for the other five, including a three-pointer at the buzzer to get back within 11-7.
• The Crusaders took the lead in the second quarter with a 12-1 run to start the frame.
• Belmont Abbey maintained a 1-point lead going into halftime.
• A 7-2 run helped Belmont Abbey build its lead at the start of the second half with  a three-pointer from Reagan Iovino and two baskets from Shular.
• Trailing by five in the fourth quarter, Dennison scored the next six points for the Abbey. The run was highlighted by a three-pointer with 4:16 remaining.
• Tied at 52, Madison Lusk's three-pointer gave the Crusaders the lead.
• Dennison made 3-of-4 free throws to give the Abbey a three-point lead.
• After two made free throws from Shular, Dennison got a final steal in the closing seconds to seal the game.
• The Crusaders finished with 34 points in the paint and out-rebounded the Pacers 47-28.
• Brielle George led the Crusaders with a game-high nine rebounds and added two blocked shots.
• Belmont Abbey finished with 11 steals in the contest.
• James had seven points with a team-best four assists, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and a blocked shot.
• The Crusaders won their third straight game against the Pacers.
• Saturday marked the first true road game for the Crusaders this season.

UP NEXT

• Belmont Abbey steps back into Conference Carolinas play with a contest at Young Harris.
• The game is scheduled for a 2 p.m. start from Young Harris, Ga.
• It is the second of three straight road games for the Abbey.