Box Score Franklin Springs, Ga—The longstanding rivalry between Emmanuel College and Belmont Abbey College continued in tonight's game. The Belmont Abbey Crusaders came out on top in this intense game between the conference rivals, the final score being 70-63.
The Crusaders were coming in hot after a win against the Lions on January 21, 2021. The Crusaders opened up the first quarter with a jump ball win and 4 points on the board within the first minute and a half.
The Lions did not go down without a fight and matched the Crusaders for points at the end of the first quarter, resulting in a tie at 11 points. The second quarter was a fight for the lead as Belmont Abbey pulled ahead, ending at 30-24.
The top scorers for the Lions tonight were Emily Dreslinski with 17, Brooke Whitaker, and Breanna Locke with 11 each. The Crusaders were led by Keyanna Spivey with 16 total points.
The second half kept spectators on their toes as the lead changed twice throughout the time period with Belmont leading,48-43, at the end of the third quarter. With 3:08 left in the game, the Lions were down with 6 points and managed to score a 3, and stole from the Crusaders, to tie the game 61-61 with 2:43 left in the game. However, a missed jumper and turnoever from the Lions in the last 2 minutes of the game, caused the Crusaders to take advantage and lead by 5 points. The final quarter was point for point as both teams pushed for the win, Crusaders coming out on top by only 7 points.
The Lions lost crucial points tonight, allowing the Crusaders to score 14 off of turnovers and fast breaks, as well as putting up 30 points from the paint. Emmanuel remained constant in free throw percentage, averaging 76.9% from the line compared to Belmont's 63.6%.
This was another great matchup for the Conference Carolinas teams and a tough rival for both teams. Show support for your Lady Lions as they compete next week in South Carolina against North Greenville University, January 26th at 5 p.m. Follow along with EC Athletics on social media and by live streaming all events at www.goeclions.com. Thank you for continuing to support EC Athletics and, as always, GO LIONS!
