Women's Basketball | 11/30/2008 6:35:17 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Methodist women's basketball team came from behind to defeat The Apprentice School 59-48 and capture the Turkey Shootout Championship.

The Apprentice School (3-2) jumped out to a 13-8 lead midway through the first half.  The Monarchs (3-1) were shooting 18% from the field through the first 13 minutes and the Builders took advantage of the missed shots with a strong presence on the boards.  A 3-pointer from senior Zan Messer cut the lead to two and sophomore Dawn Sanderson tied the game with free throws.  Sanderson gave Methodist the lead on a layup with 6:13 to go in the game.  Apprentice went scoreless for nearly seven minutes as the Monarchs took a 20-13 lead.  Methodist led by as many as nine before the Builders cut the lead to two in the final minute of the half.  The Monarchs held a 26-24 lead at halftime.

Apprentice tied the game early in the second half, but would never regain the lead as the Monarchs held the 15-point advantage after a layup from junior Michaela Myers.  A free throw by the Builders' All-Tournament selection Rahshann Lewter moved Apprentice to within eight points with 1:11 to go, but Methodist free throws sealed the 59-48 victory.

Sophomore Adriana Wilson and Dezzire Gilliard both finished with double-doubles to be named to the All-Tournament team.  Wilson was the Tournament Most Valuable Player with 12 points and 10 rebounds while Gilliard finished with 14 points and 15 boards. 

Methodist will travel to Salem on Tuesday for a 7 pm tipoff.

Methodist University/InnKeeper Turkey Shootout All-Tournament Team:
Sarah Smith (Salem)
India Scott (Notre Dame)
Rahshann Lewter (Apprentice)
Dezzire Gilliard (Methodist)
Adriana Wilson - MVP (Methodist)

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