ELON, N.C. -- Belmont Abbey squared off against former head coach Billy Taylor and his Elon Phoenix in an exhibition contest Wednesday night, its first public display of the 2025-26 roster. Fifteen players saw action in the contest, a 99-51 victory by the home team.

The contest served as the home opener for the Division I Phoenix (1-0).

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Lenoir-Rhyne transfer Gabe Cerda led the Crusaders with 17 points, hitting six-of-11 from the field and three of five three-point attempts.
• Freshman Matas Piktuizis also reached double figures with 10 points on five-of-seven shooting.
• Judah Ravenell led the rebounding effort with six, while Shane Potts and Myles Smith added four each.
• Daniel Lubamba dished out four assists.
• Belmont Abbey shot just 40.4 percent from the field, compared to 48.6 percent for Elon.
• The Crusaders trailed 64-24 at halftime.

UP NEXT

• Belmont Abbey has its season opener in two weeks, traveling to Newberry.
• That contest will begin at 6 p.m.