HICKORY, NC - The Lenoir-Rhyne Women's Basketball team took down Belmont Abbey 76-55 in its season opener on Tuesday night.
The Bears used a dominant first half to cruise to the victory, leading 46-22 at the break.
This win broke a six-game losing streak for the Bears against the Crusaders, as the program's last victory came during the 2013-14 season. These teams faced off once last year, an 86-83 overtime victory for Belmont Abbey.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: No. 9 Lenoir-Rhyne 76, Belmont Abbey 55
Records: Lenoir-Rhyne (1-0), Belmont Abbey (0-1)
Location: Shuford Arena | Hickory, NC
STORY OF THE GAME:
- Four Bears scored in the opening minutes to open up a 10-1 lead.
- Belmont Abbey managed to cut the lead to two, but a late run, capped off by a Peyton Harvey three, put Lenoir-Rhyne up 23-11 at the end of one.
- A Madilyn Winterton jumper sparked a 15-1 run to begin the quarter for LR.
- The Crusaders hit a few free throws late, but the Bears still led 46-22 heading into the locker room.
- Belmont Abbey cut the lead to 14 midway through the third, but an Abigail Brown and-1 and an Amiya Porter three quickly stopped the visitor's momentum.
- A late tipin from last year's All-American Aaliyah El gave Lenoir-Rhyne a 61-38 lead going into the final frame.
- The Bears didn't slow down during the final frame, leading by as much as 27 en route to the 76-55 victory.
STATS OF THE GAME:
- Lenoir-Rhyne shot 41.5% from the field and 22.6% from three, with five of its seven shots from behind the arc being hit in the first quarter.
- The Bears shared the wealth, with 11 players finding the scoring column. Leading the way was Madilyn Winterton's 14 and Abigail Brown's 13.
- Turnovers were key in this one, as the Bear pressure forced 22 cough ups from the Crusaders. Abigail Brown and Lauren Arnold picked up three steals in the win.
- Abigail Brown picked up right where she left off defensively, as she led the team with three blocks. Last season she finished fifth on Lenoir-Rhyne's single season blocks list with 58.
- The Bears were efficient from the charity stripe, going 15-18.
BEYOND THE BOXSCORE
- Lenoir-Rhyne is now 8-14 all-time against Belmont Abbey.
- Head Coach Emry Tsitouris continues to roll in Shuford, staying perfect at home with a 14-0 record.
- This marks Lenoir-Rhyne's third consecutive season opening victory.
UP NEXT: Lenoir-Rhyne will be back in action this weekend when they travel to Aiken, South Carolina, for the PBC/SAC Challenge. The Bears will take on USC Aiken Saturday at 3:00 p.m. and Lander on Sunday at 3:30 p.m.
