FRANKLIN SPRINGS, Ga. -- Freshman Myles Smith led Belmont Abbey in both points and rebounds, but it was not enough as host Emmanuel came away with a 71-61 victory over the Crusaders in Conference Carolinas men's basketball action Thursday night.

With the result, the Crusaders fall to 5-12 overall and 3-8 in league play, while the Lions improve to 9-11, 6-6.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Smith connected on five field goals and five free throws for a career-high 15 points..It marked the second time this season that he topped double figures. His five rebounds -- the fifth time this season he has reached that total -- tied two other for team honors.
• Judah Ravenell also reached double digits in scoring with 10 points.
• Elijah Burnett and Alhousseny Diallo also grabbed five boards to share the team lead, while Ravenell dished out four assists.
• Belmont Abbey shot just 38.8 percent in the contest, but had connected on 19 of 25 (76.0 percent) at the charity stripe.

UP NEXT

• Belmont Abbey wraps up a three-game road swing on Tuesday when it travels to King.
• The Crusaders lead the Northwest Division and already hold a 78-67 victory over the Tornado on Nov. 25.