BELMONT, N.C. -- Myles Smith recorded a double-double with 19 points and a career-high 10 rebounds, while Khamani Wertz knocked down the go-ahead three-pointer with 19 seconds remaining as Belmont Abbey rallied from a 21-point deficit to earn an 82-80 victory over Wingate in the season opener Tuesday night at the Wheeler Center.
With the victory, the Crusaders stand 1-0, while the Bulldogs fall to 0-1.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Smith hit five-of-10 from the field and 9 of 10 free throws en route to his first career double-double. One of his defensive rebounds set up the go-ahead possession.
- Wertz and Gabe Cerda each contributed 16 points with Wertz connecting on four three-pointers, including the decisive triple with 19 seconds remaining. The shot gave The Abbey its first lead since 17-16 midway through the opening half.
- Cerda added three assists and connected on a crucial three-pointer with 38 seconds left.
- Jordan Patton provided a spark off the bench with 12 points, going 4-for-5 from the field and making all three of his free throws. Belmont Abbey's bench outscored Wingate's reserves 39-24.
- Wingate built a 50-34 halftime advantage, then scored the first five points of the second half to lead by 21 points a minute into the second half.
- The Crusaders responded by shooting 61.5 percent from the field after the break, including 5-for-10 from three-point range, to outscore the Bulldogs 48-30 in the period.
- Trailing 79-69 with 2:30 remaining, Belmont Abbey mounted its decisive comeback, by ending the game on a 13-1 run, with nine of the points coming over the final 38 seconds. Cerda hit a three, allowing a Crusader timeout. An errant inbounds pass and immediate foul sent Smith to the line, where he hit both free throws to cut the margin to two at the 37-second mark.
- Wingate missed a 1-and-1 setting up Wertz' shot from the right wing, reversing the lead with 19.1 seconds left.
- Elijah Burnett made the second of two free throws with two seconds remaining to seal the victory.
UP NEXT
- Belmont Abbey returns to action this weekend at the Newberry Invitational.
- The Crusaders face the hosts Friday night before meeting Anderson on Saturday.
