University of Mount Olive took a 57-50 win over Belmont Abbey College Wednesday night in Mount Olive, N.C. for Conference Carolinas women's basketball. Three Trojans had double digit nights in the win.
Mount Olive (5-10 Overall, 3-6 Conference Carolinas) controlled most of the first half after the game was tied twice in the first three minutes. The Trojans took the lead from Belmont Abbey (8-7, 4-5) 6-4 with 16:27 in the first period off the layup from Anamaria Zjacic. The lead increased to double digits for Mount Olive after the 13 minute mark. An 8-0 run by the Trojans pushed them ahead 20-8.
The Crusaders made a comeback midway through the half as a pair of free-throws started a 16-0 run that lasted just under eight minutes. The run allowed Belmont Abbey to regain the lead 20-24 with 3:27 left in the period. Mount Olive did not allow the lead to stand as the Trojans tied the game up at 25 just before the half.
Mount Olive regained the lead 28-27, off a Ty Wallace layup with 17:19. From that point forward the Trojans did not allow the Crusaders to take over the game. Mount Olive had a five point cushion for the next 10 minutes until Belmont Abbey closed the gap with under seven minutes left in the game.
Belmont Abbey clawed their way back into the game as they took the Trojan lead down to 42-41 with 5:30 remaining. A bucket fell for Zjacic with 5:18 and resulted in an 11-2 run that kept the Trojans ahead for good. Mount Olive kept the lead over five as the Trojans came out with the win.
Ariel Johnson led the team with a double-double night 10 points and 15 boards. Ni'Ya Styles had 15 points. Tommarah Harris closed out the three Trojans with double figures with 10 points.
McKenzie Owens led the Crusaders with 15 points. Gabrielle Bethel had a double-double performance 13 points and 14 boards.
Mount Olive will hit the road as the Trojans travel to face Converse College this Saturday in Spartanburg, N.C. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.