Rocky Mount, N.C. - N.C. Wesleyan's Tamell Bradham made just one field goal on Thursday night, but it proved to be the biggest bucket of the game. With his team trailing 69-67, the freshman converted an old-fashioned three-point play with three seconds remaining to give his Battling Bishops a 70-69 win over USA South rival Methodist University in Everett Gym.
The Bishops, who held a 67-62 advantage with 3:50 remaining, found themselves down by two after the Monarchs used a 7-0 run to retake the lead on a Tabias Hilliard jumper with 44 seconds to go. Wesleyan was unable to convert on its next possession and was forced to foul with eight ticks on the clock.
After Methodist missed the front end of its 1-and-1, Bishop sophomore Devontae Williams grabbed the rebound and quickly found senior point guard David Gurganus, who brought the ball up the right side of the court. Gurganus proceeded to find Bradham under the basket, securing his fifth assist of the night when Bradham laid the ball in and was fouled from behind. Bradham calmly sank the game-winning free throw, although Methodist did manage a good look at a three-pointer as time expired.
Senior Josh Morrison once again paced the Bishops with a team-high 17 points, while Williams added 16. As a team, Wesleyan's bench out-scored Methodist's 24-2 on the night.
The Bishops (8-9, 3-3 USA South) continue league play this weekend when they travel to Greensboro and Averett on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.