BANNER ELK, N.C. –
Malik McConnell and
Jamarius Hairston combined for 41 points on 17 of 20 shooting from the charity stripe, but it wasn't enough as the Lees-McRae men's basketball team's late run fell short in a 91-89 loss to visiting Belmont Abbey in the Conference Carolinas contest this evening.
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Belmont Abbey – 91; Lees-McRae - 89
LOCATION: Williams Gymnasium – Banner Elk, North Carolina
RECORDS: Belmont Abbey (15-4/13-3), Lees-McRae (5-4/5-4)
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- McConnell finished with a game-high 21 points on 10 of 12 shooting from the free-throw line to go along with five rebounds and three assists.
- Hairston chipped in 20 points, while Quay Kimble added 13 points and five assists.
- Andrew Gardner shot 3 for 8 from the floor for 11 points.
- Belmont Abbey used a 26-6 run to grab the early momentum, but the Bobcats responded with a 12-2 run to close the first half to trim the deficit to 40-32 at halftime.
- After the Crusaders pushed the lead back to 60-40 with 15:24 left in the contest, Lees-McRae used a 27-6 run in a seven-minute span to retake a 67-66 lead on a three-point field goal by Kimble.
- Belmont Abbey capitalized on free throws late to give themselves a 91-87 lead with 24 seconds remaining.
- McConnell scored on the ensuing possession and had a chance at a game-winning shot as time expired, but the last-second shot fell short as the Crusaders escaped with the road victory.
- Lees-McRae held a 25-16 edge in points off turnovers and a 22-13 advantage in second-chance points but failed to overcome being outscored 51-42 in bench production.
- Belmont Abbey shot over 66 percent, while holding the Bobcats to 43 percent shooting from the floor.
FOR THE FOES:
- Five Crusaders posted double-digit points, led by Nate Davis who finished with 17 points and three rebounds.
- Sean Halloran chipped in 16 points, nine assists, and four rebounds.
UP NEXT:
The Bobcats travel to Chowan on Thursday for a 7 p.m. conference clash.
For more information on Lees-McRae Athletics, follow the Bobcats on Twitter (@LMCBobcats), on Facebook (Lees-McRae Athletics), and on Instagram (leesmcraeathletics).
