CENTRAL, S.C.‑ Southern Wesleyan shot 52.4 percent from the field, but it was not enough in its 98-95 loss to Belmont Abbey.

Kenny Holmes led the team with 21 points and five assists. He also had five steals. Chandler Harrison scored a career-high 20 points and pulled in five rebounds. Darius Sharpe scored 19 points and had two steals.

The Crusaders (5-10, 2-6 CC) opened up the game with a 22-12 run to establish an early ten point lead. The Warriors (2-14, 1-7 CC) countered with a 31-15 run to give themselves a six point lead going into halftime.

In the second half, Belmont Abbey came back to tie the game at the 13:43 mark and re-gained the lead with 13 minutes remaining. Southern Wesleyan tied the game at 71-71 with 7:19 left in the game. The Crusaders re-took the lead and led by six with three minutes left. The Warriors tied the game again with a dunk by DJ Dobson with 48 seconds remaining, but they were outscored 6-3 the rest of the way to seal the victory for Belmont Abbey.

"We had several opportunities late in the game to capitalize on Belmont Abbey's mistakes," said Warriors Head Coach Charles Wimphrie, "but we couldn't knock down our free throws." "I can see lots of improvement from the freshmen. The growth process is gradually beginning to show and I'm very proud of the team for their effort tonight."

Southern Wesleyan next plays North Greenville at home Jan. 16 at 4 p.m.