Men's Basketball | 11/22/2008 3:59:48 PM

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. - Methodist finished with a 71-62 loss to Norwich at the Eastern N.C. Men's Basketball Classic.

Methodist took an 8-6 lead on a layup by sophomore Joshua Crumpler with 16:21 to go in the first half.  The Monarchs extended their lead to as many as 13 points during the half before Norwich closed on a 6-0 run.  Methodist held on to a 32-26 lead at halftime.

Norwich kept up their run to start the second half, but the Monarchs came back to go up by 10 on a 3-pointer by senior Alex Meadows.  Freshman Mark Jernigan kept Methodist ahead by 10 with a layup with 7:30 to go in the game, but the Cadets went on a 15-2 run to take the lead with 3:54 remaining.  Norwich led by four in the final minute.  The Monarchs' final two shot attempts came up empty while Norwich went 5-for-8 from the free throw line to hold on for the 71-62 win.

Jernigan and junior Tyler Sigman led Methodist with 12 points a piece while Crumpler added 11.  Jernigan also led on the boards with seven rebounds.

The Monarchs will face Piedmont at home on Saturday at 2 pm.

Box Score