Men's Basketball | 12/15/2008 11:32:24 PM

ASHLAND, Va. - The Methodist University men's basketball team outscored Randolph-Macon in the second half, but could not make up enough ground to lose 69-56.

The Monarchs (3-6) faced off against the host in the second day of the Briggs Elliott December Classic Monday night.  Methodist led 10-9 early after a layup from freshman Mark Jernigan.  Both teams exchanged baskets before the Yellow Jackets (5-3) went on a 12-0 run.  Randolph-Macon finished the first half with a 35-19 lead after the Monarchs shot just 28 percent from the field.

Methodist stayed with the Yellow Jackets through the second half, but could not catch up.  With 7:21 to go in the game, freshman Devonne Blackshear scored to move within 11, but Randolph-Macon responded with consecutive baskets.  Methodist senior #A.B. Lehmann# hit two free throws with 45 seconds remaining to cut the lead to 10, but the Monarchs were forced to foul and the Yellow Jackets went 3-for-4 from the free throw line to take the 69-56 win.

Junior Tyler Sigman led the Monarchs in scoring with 14 points while Lehmann and senior Alex Meadows had 10 points a piece.  Sophomore Marcus Connor had eight boards for Methodist.

The Monarchs will break for the holidays before traveling to Piedmont College Jan. 3.

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