January 27, 2007
Methodist Wins 86-85 in Overtime Over Christopher Newport
Senior Rob Lee scores season-high 23 points with 21 coming in the second half

 

FAYETTEVILLE, NC-  The Monarchs needed a win on Saturday to get back into the USA South race.  After losing the last three, the team came on strong to take the 86-85 win in overtime.  The Monarchs move to 7-10 overall and 2-3 in the USA South, while Christopher Newport moves to 11-7 this season and 3-2 in the conference.

The Monarchs held an early 8-2 lead before the Captains found their rhythm and worked to break into the Methodist lead.  Captain Theo Baker tied the game at 22 on a 3-pointer with 6:07 left in the half.  The Monarchs shot 3-for-11 in the final minutes to give the Captains the 34-29 lead at halftime.

The Captains extended their lead early in the second half before junior Travis Winstead's 3-pointer moved the Monarchs to within one with 14:19 remaining.  Christopher Newport responded with another run to hold the 62-52 lead with 8:39 to go.  Senior Rob Lee decided that was enough and went on a run of his own scoring 16 points in the final eight and a half minutes of regulation.  With thirty seconds left Lee hit a jumper to give the Monarchs a five point lead, but Captain Korey Lewis came back on the next possession to drive in for the layup and close the gap to three.  The Captains called a timeout with eleven seconds left and Lewis hit only his fourth 3-pointer this season to send the game into overtime.

The five minutes of overtime were back and forth before the Monarchs were able to capitalize on a Christopher Newport turnover.  Sophomore Antwin Shuford scored a layup on Lee's assist to give Methodist a three point lead with 1:46 to go.  Both teams missed opportunities before Captain Davon Barton hit his second free throw to move within one.  With 29 seconds left, Captain Theo Baker hit a layup to tie it at 84.  Fouled on the shot, Baker also hit his free throw to gain the one point lead.  The Monarchs came back down the floor with what would be their final possession.  Lee's shot fell short, but Shuford grabbed the rebound and scored the eventual winning basket.  The Captains attempted to call a timeout, but were left with only 1.1 seconds on the clock.  They ended up turning the ball over as Lee grabbed the ball and time expired.

Lee led the Monarchs with 23 points while sophomore Adrian Bascom scored 19 , Winstead had 11 and Shuford scored 10 points along with pulling in 13 rebounds.

The Monarchs will be back at the Riddle Center on Sunday to host Shenandoah at 4 pm.  The Methodist Student Athlete Advisory Committee will host their second annual Military Appreciation Day.

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