BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Myles Smith and Gabe Cerda both topped double figures, but King pulled away in the second half for a 77-62 victory over Belmont Abbey in Conference Carolinas men's basketball action Tuesday night.

With the result, the Crusaders fall to 5-13 overall and 3-9 in league play, while the Tornado improves to 6-12, 4-6. The Abbey falls into a tie for first in the Northwest Division at 3-2, while King sits 2-4.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Smith, a freshman, led the Crusaders for the second straight game, tallying a career-high 19 points. He also reached career-bests for field goals (eight), three-pointers (three) and steals (three).
• Cerda made 11 of 13 free throws en route to 18 points. He also dished out a team-high four assists.
• Smith and Cerda, grabbed seven rebounds to lead The Abbey,
• The Crusaders never led in the contest, but trailed by only one -- 50-49 with 9:55 remaining. However, an 8-0 run a few minutes later turned a 56-53 lead  into a 64-53 advantage.
• King outshot Belmont Abbey 41.8 percent to 35.6 percent and held a 41-39 rebounding advantage.

UP NEXT

• After three straight games on the road, Belmont Abbey returns home on Saturday.
• The Crusaders host Erskine at 4 p.m. in the Wheeler Center.