January 22, 2008
Methodist Comes Up Short Against Averett
Junior Travis McBryde scored 12 points for the Monarchs

FAYETTEVILLE, NC- The Monarchs had the lead before Averett took over late. Methodist moved to within one with 1:30 to go, but could not find the equalizer and lost 74-69. The Monarchs move to 9-7 overall this season and 1-2 in the USA South while Averett moves to 8-8 overall and 2-1 in the conference.

Methodist started off strong and led through most of the first half before Averett tied the game at 17 with 10:47 left in the half. The Cougars took a brief lead before Methodist took over again on a dunk from junior Travis McBryde. Averett tied the game at 29 with less than two on the clock, but junior Antwin Shuford gave Methodist a two point lead at halftime with a layup.

Averett tied the game right away in the second half and then took a two point lead, a minute in before senior Billy McDade tied the game at 33. Averett took over and led by as many as seven before McDade hit a 3-pointer with 8:17 to go, tying the game at 52. The score was tied again at 54 before senior Travis Winstead and McDade hit back-to-back threes. Averett came right back and tied the game at 60. The game was tied for the eighth time at 63 with 4:44 remaining. Averett kept firing and held the Monarchs off for the 74-69 win.

McDade led the Monarchs with 20 points while freshman LeuMichael Smith scored 14 points. McBryde added 12 while Shuford led the team in rebounds with nine.

The Monarchs will host North Carolina Wesleyan on Monday at 7:30 pm.

Box score