February 18, 2006
Christopher Newport spoils Lady Monarch Senior Day 68-51
Harris paces Methodist with 14 points in defeat

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – With it being Senior Day, the Methodist Lady Monarchs aimed to finish up the 2005-06 season on a high note against visiting Christopher Newport on Saturday. But the visiting Lady Captains spoiled the party by downing Methodist 68-51 at the Riddle Center.

With the defeat, Methodist finishes the regular season 13-12 overall and 8-6 in the USA South Athletic Conference. The Lady Monarchs drew the fifth seed in the upcoming USA South Athletic Conference Tournament, and will play at Peace in the quarterfinals on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

Unlike Friday night’s victory over Shenandoah, the Lady Monarchs struggled offensively against Christopher Newport. Methodist managed only 27 percent shooting from the field, including only 20 percent (3-for-15) from 3-point range.

What hurt Methodist in the first half was the free throw line as the Lady Monarchs converted only 1-for-12 (eight percent) from the charity stripe. That proved important as Christopher Newport led 32-26 at halftime.

Methodist took a 21-20 lead on a Lisa Jackson 3-point basket at the 5:54 mark in the first half. That, however, was the last time Methodist would lead in the game. With Candace Bryant effectively scoring inside, Christopher Newport built as much as a seven-point lead before the end of the half.

An 8-0 run early in the first half put the Lady Captains ahead by double-digits. Four straight baskets by Jessica Carmon and two free throws by Shantel Burrell increased the Christopher Newport lead to 49-34 with 12 minutes remaining. Amanda Underwood’s free throw at the 9:21 mark trimmed Christopher Newport’s lead to 53-41, but Methodist got no closer.

The Lady Captains increased the lead as much as 19 points late in the game.

Ashley Harris paced Methodist with 14 points, while Jackson scored 12 points. For Christopher Newport (17-8, 11-3), Bryant recorded a double-double with 25 points and 11 rebounds, while Colandra Rollins also recorded a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Carmon added 10 points off the bench.