January 2, 2008
Virginia Wesleyan Defeats Monarchs 79-51
Freshman LeuMichael Smith led Methodist with 13 points

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA- Virginia Wesleyan College took an early lead and the Monarchs could not recover as the Marlins cruised to a 79-51 victory on Wednesday. The Monarchs move to 6-5 on the season while Virginia Wesleyan improves to 6-2 this year.

Virginia Wesleyan opened the scoring with a 3-pointer and jumped out to a 9-0 lead before Methodist freshman LeuMichael Smith put the Monarchs on the board with a layup following a steal. Methodist struggled offensively in the first half shooting 7-for-26 for just over 26 percent from the floor. The Marlins held a 40-20 lead at halftime.

Methodist was down by 34 midway through the second half when senior Travis Winstead hit a 3-pointer and a jumper to close the gap to 29. Late in the game, Virignia Wesleyan led by 30 before senior Brian Lane hit a free throw and junior Alex Meadows drained a 3-pointer. The Marlins hit two more free throws in the final minute to finish with the 79-51 win.

Smith led the Monarchs in scoring with 13 points while Winstead added 10 points. Methodist was out rebounded 41-30 with junior Antwin Shuford leading on the boards with five.

The Monarchs will travel to LaGrange on Sunday for a 2 pm tip-off. Earlier this season Methodist defeated the Panthers 88-78 in Fayetteville.

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