BELMONT, N.C. -- Khamani Wertz topped 20 points for the second time this season and two other Crusaders reached double figures, but Converse held off a late rally for a 73-64 victory over Belmont Abbey in Conference Carolinas men's basketball action Thursday afternoon. The contest was delayed a day by weather in the Charlotte area.

With the result, The Abbey falls to 1-19 overall and 0-17 in league play, while the Valkyries improve to 10-14, 9-9. The teams are 0-7 and 5-2, respectively, in Northwest Division play.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Wertz finished with 20 points behind three three-pointers and a perfect seven-for-seven at the free throw line.
• Jaden Peters also hit three threes, en route to 15 points, while grabbing three rebounds and block two shots.
• Alhousseny Diallo rounded out the double-figure scoring efforts with 10 points. He just missed his second straight double-double with nine rebounds. while also making two steals.
• Belmont Abbey shot 44.2 percent from the field in the contest, while the rebounding battle was closely contested at 30-28 in favor of the visitors.

UP NEXT

• Belmont Abbey continues its final homestand on Saturday.
• The Crusaders welcome Mount Olive in the second of three straight in the Wheeler Center.
• Senior Jacori Owens will be honored in a pregame ceremony.