February 12, 2007
Methodist Defeats NC Wesleyan 73-69 in Overtime
Seniors Ashley Smith, Antionett Holliday Stacy Williams honored before the game

FAYETTEVILLE, NC- The Lady Monarchs capitalized on their final possession of regulation to tie NC Wesleyan and send the game into overtime.  Methodist outscored the Bishops 15-11 in overtime to finish with the win.  Methodist moves to 13-10 overall and 7-5 in the USA South while NC Wesleyan falls to 4-18 overall and 1-11 in the conference.

The Lady Monarchs came out strong in the first half looking to break their two-game losing streak.  Up by 12 with 7:51 to go in the half, the Bishops tried to cut into the lead before the break, but Methodist closed out with a three-pointer by junior Ashley Harris and free throws by Michaela Myers to hold a 33-22 lead at halftime.

NC Wesleyan went on a 11-0 run early in the second half to move within one.  Methodist held the advantage until Lawanda Scott tied the game at 46 for the Bishops.  After NC Wesleyan took a brief lead, Harris tied the game on a layup.  The Bishops broke out with an eight point lead with 2:28 to go in the game, but the Lady Monarchs would not settle for another loss.  Still down by four with 20 seconds on the clock, sophomore Zan Messer hit a jumper in the paint and was fouled on the play to move within two.  The free throw was short, but a jump ball on the rebound gave the ball back to Methodist.  Harris found senior Antionett Holliday for the layup with less than 10 seconds remaining.  Harris stole the ball from the Bishops to send the game into overtime.

During the overtime period, the Monarchs gained the advantage and never looked back.  Methodist shot 6-for-10 from the free throw line and freshman LaQuanza Alexander scored seven of the team's 15 overtime points during the five minutes of play.  With a three point lead, and less than ten seconds on the clock, Harris stole the Bishops' inbounds pass and finished on free throws. 

Senior Stacy Williams led Methodist with 14 points while Holliday, Messer, and Harris finished with 12 a piece.  Williams and Holliday were heavy on the boards with 8 rebounds each. 

Methodist will complete the regular season this weekend at Christopher Newport on Friday at 5:30 and at Shenandoah on Saturday at 2 pm.

Box Score