January 19, 2006
Saunders, Peace too much for Methodist, 62-53
Jackson scores 15 points as Lady Monarchs now 2-2 in USA South

RALEIGH, N.C. – The in-state women’s basketball series between Methodist and Peace has grown intense over the last couple of season, especially since the Pacers joined the USA South Athletic Conference. Another example of this fierce series was Thursday night as Peace, behind the play of standout forward Tia Saunders, proved too much for the visiting Lady Monarchs 62-53 at the Hermann Center.

The defeat evens Methodist at 2-2 in the USA South, and drops the Lady Monarchs to 6-7 overall.

Saunders had a tremendous performance, recording a double-double with 25 points and 19 rebounds. She had her double-double by halftime with 14 points and 10 rebounds in the first half as the Pacers had a 35-27 lead at the break.

There six ties and four lead changes in the first before Peace took the lead for good on Saunders’ jump shot with 4:34 remaining. That triggered an 11-0 run by the Pacers as another Saunders basket gave Peace a 35-24 lead at the 2:27 mark.

Methodist made a strong push in the second half. Trailing by 11 points (40-29) with 17:27 remaining, the Lady Monarchs outscored Peace 18-9 over the next 11 minutes. Lisa Jackson scored seven points during the rally, including a 3-point basket to tie the game 47-47 at the 6:34 mark.

However, Peace answered with a 3-point basket by E.B. Watson on the Pacers’ ensuing possession, and Peace never relinquished the lead. The closest Methodist was able to trim the deficit was five points.

Jackson scored 15 points to pace the Lady Monarchs, while Kristen Whitehurst scored 12 points and Ann Forsberg scored 10 points for Methodist – both off the bench. In addition to Saunders, Christy Freeman scored nine points for Peace (8-4, 3-1), while Lindy Cartwright scored eight points.

Methodist is off this weekend. The Lady Monarchs return to action on Monday at 5:30 p.m., playing host to longtime USA South rival North Carolina Wesleyan at the Riddle Center.