BANNER ELK, N.C. –
Nigel Okwakol led three Bobcats in double-digit scoring, but Belmont Abbey used a second-half comeback for the 83-72 Conference Carolinas victory over Lees-McRae men's basketball on Wednesday night.
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Belmont Abbey –
83, Lees-McRae – 72
LOCATION: McNair & Debi Tornow Court – Banner Elk, North Carolina
RECORDS: Belmont Abbey (8-18/6-14); Lees-McRae (10-18/7-13)
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Okwakol gave the Bobcats the 7-6 lead with 16:46 left in the first half. Isajah Deburgo knocked down a three-pointer at the 7:15 mark of the first half and led 28-20. The Bobcats held the 39-35 advantage after the first 20 minutes of the game.
- Belmont Abbey opened the second half with a 5-0 scoring run. Franklin Davis gave the Crusaders the 40-39 lead with 19:06 to play in the second half.
- Lees-McRae regained the lead and pushed the margin back to five points off a fastbreak layup from Deburgo. Belmont Abbey tied the game at 66-66 with 3:26 to play, but Okwakol answered with a made jumper the ensuing possession.
- The Crusaders answered with a 7-0 scoring run and took the 75-68 lead. Belmont Abbey recorded the 83-72 win over the Bobcats on Wednesday night.
- Okwakol led the Bobcats with 19 points on 9-16 shooting and recorded six rebounds in the contest. Dwight Canady and Deburgo followed with 17 points apiece. Ira Wilson finished the contest with nine points and 10 rebounds.
UP NEXT:
Lees-McRae men's basketball, under first-year head coach, has concluded the 2025-26 season with an overall record of 10-18 and 7-13 in Conference Carolinas games.
For more information on Lees-McRae Athletics, follow the Bobcats on X (@LMCBobcats), on Facebook (Lees-McRae Athletics), and on Instagram (leesmcraeathletics).
