Monarchs Outlast Bishop Women, 66-60

Derreon Cole
Derreon Cole

Fayetteville, N.C. - Methodist University out-scored North Carolina Wesleyan 16-10 in the final four minutes of play to secure a 66-60 win over the Battling Bishops on Wednesday night in Fayetteville. Tied at 50-50 at the 4:07 mark, the Monarchs got a three-pointer from Courtney Woods that gave them a lead they would not relinquish.

Methodist held a slim 27-21 lead at the break and led by as many as 10 points in the second half, 44-34, at the 8:40 mark.  The Bishops, however, rallied with an 8-0 run that feature a pair of treys by sophomore A'leisha Henderson.

From that point on, MU's lead ranged from two to four points before a Henderson jumper knotted the score at 50-50 with just over four minutes remaining.  Woods' three-pointer was answered by a pair of Samantha Urquhart free throws, but the ensuing and-1 by Methodist would put the Monarchs back up four, 56-52, with three minutes left.

Freshman Derreon Cole scored the Bishops' final six points, getting them as close as two with 1:35 on the clock, but Methodist would go 6-for-8 at the charity stripe in the final 44 seconds to seal the win.

With each team connecting on 22 field goal attempts and a trio of three-pointers, the difference in the game came at the free throw line where MU knocked down 19-of-31 attempts compared to Wesleyan's 13-of-16 showing.

Cole finished with a game-high 14 points, while Henderson added 12. Freshman Shelby Jackson added 10 on the night, and Urquhart pulled down 10 rebounds.

For Methodist (13-11, 10-7 USA South), Iesha Hayes led four players in double-figures with 12 points.

Wesleyan (11-11, 8-9 USA South) wraps up its regular season slate on Saturday when the Bishops host Ferrum College at 2:00pm. Head Coach Artina Trader will be recognizing her lone senior prior to the contest, while Saturday will also serve as Play 4Kay day in Everett Gym.