Belmont, NC - The Emmanuel men's basketball team traveled to North Carolina on Saturday to take on Belmont Abbey. After two back-to-back losses by only 3 points against conference foes Mount Olive and Pfieffer, The Lions were determined to get back on the winning streak.

Belmont Abbey started strong, taking a quick 5 point lead thanks to an early three-pointer that allowed them to hold the lead for most of the half. A layup by Willy Akasson and Zach Vess put the lions within one point of the Crusaders, but that was the closest the Lions would be for most of the half. The Crusaders began to pull away at the 13 minute mark, extending the lead by 6 points. With a little under 6 minutes left, two jump shots from Steven Guinchard and Kurtis Robinson once again put the Lions within one point of Belmont Abbey. A Layup from Emerson Mcclung gave the Lions the lead for the first time in the game, but the Crusaders would come back to take the lead with 2 seconds left in the half. First half EC 31 – BA 33.

After half time, The Lions battled for the lead, finally taking it at the 15 minute mark. EC would then hold onto the lead for the rest of the game. The final score was 81-71, Emmanuel. The lions were led by Kurt Robinson with 16 points, 4 assists and 7 rebounds and Elijah Robinson with 16 points and 5 rebounds.

With this victory, Emmanuel is now 9-3 overall and 4-2 in the conference. The Lions will have another chance to take down Mount Olive as they travel back up to North Carolina on Wednesday. Action is set to start at 7:30 PM.