RALEIGH, N.C. – Anthony Gaskins (Jr./Greenville, NC) scored 18 points for Saint Augustine's University, but the Falcons could not overcome frigid shooting in a 61-53 men's basketball loss to Belmont Abbey College at Emery Gymnasium on Friday, Nov. 20, 2015.

The loss was the first in three games for the Falcons (2-1 overall), who were attempting to start 3-0 for the first time since the 2007-08 season. The Falcons were undone by 26 percent shooting from the floor and 48 percent shooting from the free-throw line. They shot 18 percent from the floor in the first half to fall behind 23-17 at halftime.

Despite their shooting woes, the Falcons almost rallied to victory. A 16-point deficit dwindled to four during an 18-6 Falcons' run in a six-minute span. Gaskins drilled his second three-pointer of the second half to pull the Falcons within 52-48 with 2:34 left.

After Belmont Abbey (2-1 overall) pushed the lead back to six, D.J. Chamblee (Fr./Kernersville, NC) attempted a three-pointer which nearly went in before rattling out the rim. The Crusaders rebounded and outscored the Falcons 7-5 in the final 1:01 of the contest to spoil their home opener.

Quincy January (So./Atlanta, GA) added nine points and Chamblee contributed six points and nine rebounds for the Falcons, who outrebounded the Crusaders 51-39 and forced 20 turnovers to climb back in the game. The Falcons outscored the Crusaders 23-12 in second-chance points.

Marquis Hines (Sr./Fayetteville, NC) and Andre Stanley (Jr./Virginia Beach, VA) tied Chamblee for team rebounding honors with nine apiece. Nick Moyer (Sr./Martinsville, VA) had seven rebounds to go along with six points. Gaskins led the Falcons with three steals.

Deion Lane finished with 21 points and 12 rebounds for the Crusaders, who couldn't find the range either. They shot 38 percent from the floor and 66 percent from the charity stripe. Ray Chen added 15 points and four steals.

The Falcons will play again on Tuesday, Nov. 24, against Chowan University in a non-conference game between CIAA teams. Tip-off is 7:30 p.m. in Murfreesboro, N.C.