Cobras Fall At Belmont Abbey

Belmont, NC – The Belmont Abbey women's basketball jumped out to a big lead in the first half and ended up defeating Coker 74-61 at the Wheeler Center Thursday night.

Belmont Abbey (15-9 overall, 11-4 CVAC) jumped out to a quick 8-1 lead, holding Coker (10-13, 8-9) without a field goal for the first five minutes. After Coker had cut the lead to 11-10 at the 11:32 mark, the Lady Crusaders responded with a 13-2 run, holding Coker without a field goal for another 4:04, to take a 24-11 lead. Belmont Abbey hit eight three-point field goals in the first half, held the Cobras to just 29% shooting, and took a 46-23 lead to the locker room.

The lead reached 25 points, it's highest of the game, early in the second half, but Coker slowly worked their way back, cutting the lead to 15 points on a number of occasions by working the ball inside and pounding the glass. Coker outrebounded Belmont Abbey 21-13 in the second half, and cut the lead down to 66-55 with 3:09 left, but that is as close as they would get. Belmont Abbey shot 19-for-24 from the line and hit their free throws in the final minutes to preserve the victory.

Ten players scored for Belmont Abbey, who was led by Nola Grant, who had 13 points and 6 rebounds, and Heather Schleupner, who added 12 points. Junior Leanne Chandler led all players with 19 points and 11 rebounds for Coker, while classmate Shamae Hemingway added 13 points and 9 rebounds.

Coker returns home this Saturday, February 22 for senior day.  The Cobras will honor lone senior Lou Brunson before the game, which is scheduled for a 2:00 PM tip off.