January 28, 2008
Women Remain Undefeated at Home With 70-45 Win
Junior Amanda Underwood led the team with 10 points

FAYETTEVILLE, NC - The Methodist defense held North Carolina Wesleyan to 26.9 percent shooting from the field as they cruised to a 70-45 victory Monday night. Methodist improves to 10-4 this season and 6-1 in the USA South while N.C. Wesleyan drops to 4-9 overall and 1-6 in the conference.

The Bishops scored first, but Methodist scored the next 12 points to take a 12-2 lead through the first six minutes. Junior Amanda Underwood scored six points in the half to help Methodist to a 36-18 lead. N.C. Wesleyan's Triann Campbell hit two free throws in the final minute to close the lead to 16 at halftime.

The second half started slowly, but freshman Dawn Sanderson got the Monarchs going with a layup with 7:52 remaining in the game. N.C. Wesleyan countered on the other end, but Methodist came right back with a jumper by junior Dezzire Gilliard on the assist from Sanderson. Junior Zan Messer hit her second 3-pointer of the game to give Methodist a 21 point advantage. The Monarchs extended their lead to 28 twice in the final minutes before taking the 70-45 win.

With the win, Methodist holds a 7-0 record at home this season and an eight game winning streak dating back to a win over the Bishops last season. Underwood finished with 10 points to lead the Monarchs in scoring while Gilliard, Sanderson, and senior Chelsale Hester each scored eight points. Gilliard led the team in rebounds with seven.

Methodist will host Meredith on Thursday at 7 pm.

Box score

Photo courtesy of William Thomas