CENTRAL, S.C. -- Freshman Myles Smith scored a career-high 22 points and grabbed six rebounds, but Southern Wesleyan held off Belmont Abbey 79-69 in Conference Carolinas men's basketball action Saturday afternoon.

With the result, the Crusaders fall to 7-18 overall and 5-14 in league play while the Warriors improve to 12-13, 9-9.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Smith converted eight baskets, one three, and five free throws to top his previous best of 19 at King in January.
• Three others topped double figures in scoring -- Elijah Burnett (14), Franklins Davis (12) and Daniel Lubamba (11).
• Lubamba and Judah Ravenell grabbed a team-high seven rebounds, while Burnett chipped in four assists.
• Southern Wesleyan opened the game with a 16-0 run, but The Abbey cut the margin back to one twice in the final three minutes.
• Belmont Abbey took the lead just once, 50-48 with 11:31 to play, but six straight points by SWU put it ahead for good.

UP NEXT

• Belmont Abbey closes out the 2025-26 season on Wednesday night at Lees-McRae.