Late free throws help Trojan men earn road win

By UMO Media Relations
Published in Sports on December 7, 2015 1:48 PM

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UMO Media Relations

BELMONT -- University of Mount Olive converted five of six free throws in the final 2-plus minutes of play, and handed in-state Conference Carolinas foe Belmont Abbey a 78-71 loss in men's basketball.

The Crusaders closed to within 54-51 on Nick Hough's 3-pointer with 8:48 remaining in the second half. The Trojans answered with a 17-9 run that included consecutive 3-pointers from preseason All-American Dontrell Brite.

As time became Belmont adversary, it fouled UMO, which sealed its second league victory of the season at the charity stripe. The Trojan men finished 18 of 30 at the charity stripe.

Brite pumped in a team- and game-high 26 points. Dominique Reed contributed 14 points and eight rebounds. JaQuan Blount logged 13 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals.

Jamaal Martin provided 11 points off the bench.

The Trojan men owned a 38-30 edge on the boards, outscored the Crusaders 42-20 in the paint and converted 13 Belmont turnovers into 18 points.

Mount Olive (5-4 overall, 2-1 CC) returns to action Saturday at in-state region foe UNC Pembroke. The Braves won the first meeting 76-69 during the 50th annual Pickle Classic.