Belmont, NC – The Crusaders of Belmont-Abbey coasted past Erskine 80 to 53 in Conference Carolinas men’s basketball action at Wheeler Arena.  With the loss, the Fleet remain winless on the season at 0-8 overall and 0-4 in conference.  The Crusaders move to 5-6 overall and 1-3 in conference.

With five minutes remaining in the first half, Erskine’s Chris Gore (Myrtle Beach, SC, Myrtle Beach High School) converted two free throws to bring the Fleet within 3 points at 24-21.  Belmont-Abbey countered by ending the half on a 14-3 run highlighted by Richard Barbee scoring 7 of his game-high 19 points.  Belmont-Abbey led 38 to 24 at halftime.

Belmont-Abbey methodically built on their lead throughout the second half coasting to the 80-53 victory.

Senior Nick Riley (Stone Mountain, GA, Lakeside High School) led Erskine in scoring with 16 points along with 3 blocks.  Freshman DeShaun Hall (Inman, SC, Landrum High School) contributed 10 points coming off bench.   Gore grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds while handing out team-high 5 assists for the Fleet.

The Fleet return to action on Saturday as they host the Bulldogs of Barton College.  Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Box Score