February 22, 2008
Monarchs Come From Behind in Final Minutes to Won 65-61
Freshman LeuMichael Smith scores career-high 27 points

FAYETTEVILLE, NC- Shenandoah led throughout most of the first half before the Monarchs took lead late. The Hornets regained the lead in the second half and it was not until the final minute and 16 seconds that Methodist took the lead and held on for the 65-61 win. The Monarchs move to 15-9 overall this season and 7-4 in the USA South while Shenandoah stands at 15-9 overall and 5-6 in the conference.

Shenandoah scored first but Methodist took a brief 5-4 lead on a free throw from junior Antwin Shuford after four minutes. Shenandoah took over and led for the next ten minutes before freshman LeuMichael Smith's two free throws at 6:19 gave Methodist a 20-19 lead. The Hornets tied it at 20, but the Monarchs stayed ahead through the remainder of the half to lead 29-26 at the break.

Methodist struggled offensively in the second half as the Hornets took the lead with 16 minutes to go in the half. They stretched their lead to as many as five on four different occasions, but Methodist always responded. Shenandoah led by one with 2:07 to go and Smith scored the layup after a Shuford steal to give Methodist a 60-59 lead. The Hornets responded with a jumper at the other end, but Smith drove back into the lane and scored the layup and hit the free throw after the foul to lead by two with 1:16 to go in the game. Shenandoah called the timeout, but missed the jumper. There was a tie up on the floor for the rebound and Methodist received possession. The Monarchs called a timeout with 39 seconds to go and 22 on the shot clock. Junior A.B. Lehmann found a leaping Shuford for the inbounds pass who scored with 21 seconds remaining. Shenandoah called a timeout with 13 seconds left, but missed two final 3-pointer attempts for Methodist to take the 65-61 win.

Methodist and Ferrum are tied at the top of the USA South standings with 7-4 records heading into Saturday. Ferrum hosts N.C. Wesleyan in their final game. The Monarchs will finish the regular season at home against Christopher Newport on Saturday at 4 pm.

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