PEMBROKE, N.C. — Sofia McNabb put together a strong effort for Belmont Abbey finishing with a career-high 13 points but it was UNC Pembroke who came away with the 61-55 win over the Crusaders in Conference Carolinas play Saturday afternoon at Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court.

McNabb also had a team-high nine rebounds to finish just one rebound shy of a double-double. She tied for the team lead with freshman Brielle George. Janiah Shular added nine points and seven rebounds while Riley James had eight points for the Crusaders.

With Saturday's results, Belmont Abbey is now 10-4 overall and 5-2 in Conference Carolinas play. UNC Pembroke is 4-9 overall and 4-2 in league play.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Both teams were locked in a defensive battle early as Leigha Dennison scored the game's opening basket nearly four minutes.
• James scored six of her eight first-half points in the opening quarter.
• Belmont Abbey closed the first quarter on a 7-2 run.
• UNC Pembroke opened the second quarter with a 7-0 run before a 3-pointer from McNabb snapped the run.
• McNabb scored seven points in the second quarter, including a final put-back with 22 seconds remaining to give the Crusaders a 28-26 halftime lead.
• UNC Pembroke took a 3-point lead early in the third quarter but Shular responded with a five-point burst to give the Abbey the lead.
• The Braves regained the lead thanks to an 11-3 run in the third quarter as Belmont Abbey shot just 19 percent (4 of 21) from the field in the third quarter.
• Belmont Abbey tried to rally late but was unable to get the deficit closer than five points.
• Dennison led the team with three steals while Ava Fulkerson had three assists.
• The Crusaders had a 42-37 advantage in rebounding.

UP NEXT

• The Crusaders return home to face Conference Carolinas newcomer Ferrum on Tuesday.
• Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Wheeler Center.