January 28, 2008
Monarchs Run Away With 85-70 Win Over Bishops
Four players scored in double figures to boost Methodist

FAYETTEVILLE, NC- N.C. Wesleyan closed a 13 point lead to five at halftime, but Methodist pushed ahead to take the 85-70 victory over the Bishops. The Monarchs move to 10-7 overall this season and 2-2 in the USA South while N.C. Wesleyan drops to 8-8 overall and 1-3 in the conference.

Two dunks in the first five minutes and the Monarchs were out to a quick 14-3 start. A 3-pointer from senior Billy McDade gave Methodist a 13 point cushion with 12:03 to go, but N.C. Wesleyan slowly chipped away at the lead. The Bishops closed the gap to five on a 3-pointer, but the Monarchs built the lead back to 10. N.C. Wesleyan scored the final five points of the half, but the Monarchs led 35-30.

Every time the Monarchs would start to extend their lead, the Bishops battled back to within five. Every time the Bishops moved to within five, Methodist responded with a key basket to hold them off. N.C. Wesleyan was only down by five with 6:55 to go in the game, but Methodist went on a 13-2 run in less than three minutes to lead by 16. N.C. Wesleyan sent the Monarchs to the free throw line, but Methodist came through with the 85-70 victory.

Freshman LeuMichael Smith led the team with 19 points while junior Antwin Shuford finished with a double-double, 15 points and 10 rebounds. McDade added 14 points and sophomore Tyler Sigman scored 12.

The Monarchs will take the road this weekend to face Christopher Newport on Saturday and Shenandoah on Sunday.

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