Central, SC – Southern Wesleyan dropped their home opener on Tuesday evening against the Belmont Abbey Crusaders in an 87-55 final score.
 
The Warriors shot 38.5% from the field and went 90% from the free throw line in the loss to the Crusaders.  Amy Soumare led the Warriors with 18 points.  She was followed by Diamond Ellison (13) and Lonesha Lee (11).  The Warriors had nine assists during the game with Soumare leading the team with three.  Caroline Reese recorded two assists.  The Warriors recorded three steals during the game.  Soumare led the team with five rebounds in the loss.
 
 
Game Vitals
 
Final: Belmont Abbey 87, Southern Wesleyan 55
 
Records: Southern Wesleyan (1-2 / CC 1-2) Belmont Abbey (6-2 / CC 2-1)
 
 
Coach Davis says…
 
"Our offensive efficiencies continue to be seen and we have to be better in the half court.  Proud that our team did not quit, but to play the top teams we must execute both ends.  I hope to see a positive response tomorrow as we start our preparation for King."
 
 
How It Happened
 
Allie Downing kicked off the game for the Belmont Abbey Crusaders, sinking a jump shot to put the Crusaders on top 2-0 early own.  Southern Wesleyan countered as Tristen Berry and Amy Soumare each made jump shots to give the Warriors a 4-2 point advantage.  The Warriors continued the offensive presence with baskets by Soumare and Lonesha Lee.  However, the Crusaders upped the pressure on the Warriors defense, sinking several shots to give them a 13-10 point advantage with just over four minutes remaining in the first quarter of play.  Three pointers by Diamond Ellison and Berry allowed the Warriors to tie the game back up at 16-points apiece.
 
The Warriors continued to challenge in the second quarter as Soumare put up a jump shot outside the paint to put the Warriors down five points to the Crusaders.  Belmont Abbey continued to distance themselves with baskets by Downing and Snow.  The Crusaders shut down the Warriors offense, going on an 13-point run before a jump shot by Soumare allowed Southern Wesleyan to come 22-46 behind Belmont Abbey.
 
Roney kicked off the third quarter for Belmont Abbey with a three pointer, but Soumare countered with a layup in the paint to put the Warriors down 26-58.  Ellison recovered a turnover from the Crusaders and drove it to the net from beyond the three point line to make the score 29-66.  Southern Wesleyan continued to pressure with free throws by Essence Sims and a jump shot by Sasha Schoenborn.
 
Southern Wesleyan struck first in final quarter as Lonesha Lee made free throws and then made a layup to put the Warriors within thirty points.  Belmont Abbey distanced themselves from the Warriors despite a layup by Schoenborn.  The Crusaders continued to build upon their lead with several field goals.  Despite a last second three pointer from Ellison, the Warriors dropped the game to the Crusaders 55-87.
 
 
What's Next
 
Southern Wesleyan will next travel to Bristol, TN to take on the King Tornado on January 22 and 23.  The Warriors will play the Tornado at 5 p.m. on Friday, but facing them again at 2 p.m. on Saturday.  Southern Wesleyan will then return to Historic Tysinger on January 27 as they welcome Bluefield State College at 6 p.m.