December 2, 2007
Monarchs Win 88-78 Over LaGrange
Freshman LeuMichael Smith finished with 19 points in the win

FAYETTEVILLE, NC- The Monarchs led by just one at halftime, but started the second half with a 14-4 run to propel the team to a 88-78 win over LaGrange. Methodist improves to 5-1 this season while LaGrange falls to 1-6 overall.

Methodist scored first after freshman LeuMichael Smith picked up a steal and went in for the layup. The Monarchs jumped out to a quick 7-1 lead, and built a ten point lead through the first seven and a half minutes, but LaGrange started to chip away at the score. The Panthers' Joe Cromwell hit a jumper with 6:40 to go to tie the game at 26. Methodist held a five point lead on a basket from senior Billy McDade, but LaGrange converted two free throws along with a layup from Demetris Render in the final minute to cut the lead to one at halftime.

The Monarchs started the second half with a 14-4 run to give the team the 55-44 lead in the first five minutes. Every time LaGrange would get within striking distance, Methodist responded with their own offense. The Monarchs led by just two with 7:11 remaining, but went on a 13-2 run to hold a 13 point lead. LaGrange used free throws to close the lead to six with 29 seconds left, but junior A.B. Lehmann hit two free throws and junior Antwin Shuford scored a layup to take the 88-78 win.

Smith finished with 19 points to lead the team while four other players finished in double figures. McDade had a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Shuford scored 15 points while junior Travis McBryde added 14 points. Lehmann scored 11 points to go along with seven assists.

The Monarchs will travel to Guilford on Wednesday for a 7:30 pm tipoff.

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