 Women's Basketball |
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February 23, 2008 FAYETTEVILLE, NC - The Methodist women's basketball team entered the Riddle Center Saturday afternoon with hopes of a USA South Conference Championship and an undefeated home record this season, but the Christopher Newport Captains spoiled their efforts, handing the Monarchs a 60-58 loss. Methodist finishes the regular season 18-7 overall and 14-4 in the USA South while Christopher Newport moves to 18-6 overall and 14-4 in the conference. Methodist took an early 10-4 lead in the first half on a 3-pointer from junior Amanda Underwood. Christopher Newport scored three points, but Underwood struck with another 3-pointer to extend the lead back to six. The Captains' Chelsie Schweers hit two threes of her own to tie the game at 13 and Christopher Newport went on to take a 26-15 lead with 3:31 to go in the half. Junior Dezzire Gilliard hit two free throws for Methodist and Underwood hit another 3-pointer to close the gap. Christopher Newport hit another layup, but Methodist closed the half with six points to trail just 30-26. Senior Chelsale Hester scored first in the second half to move within two points. The Captains' Jessica Carmon hit her second of two free throws to take a three point lead, but junior Zan Messer tied the game on a 3-pointer. Christopher Newport regained the lead and led 52-44 with seven minutes left in the game. The Monarchs scored the next six points and eventually took a one point lead with 1:27 on the clock. The teams exchanged baskets with junior Kristen Whitehurst's layup giving Methodist the 57-56 lead. The Captains hit two free throws to lead by one, but Gilliard was fouled on the other end with 23 seconds left. She missed the first, but tied the game at 58 on her second free throw. The Captains called a timeout and Colandra Rollins hit Schweers on a pass the length of the floor for the layup and the 60-58 lead. Methodist had two final shot opportunities that came up just short giving Christopher Newport the win. Underwood led the team with 14 points backed by 4-for-4 shooting from the 3-point line. Gilliard and Whitehurst finished with 12 a piece. Methodist will host Mary Baldwin in a USA South Tournament quarterfinal game on Tuesday at 7 pm. Photo courtesy of William Thomas |
