Men's Basketball | 1/17/2009 7:56:03 PM

FERRUM, Va. - The Monarchs and Panthers battled through 16 ties, but it was Methodist that prevailed 79-71.

Both teams exchanged baskets through the first half with neither team leading by more than four points.  Methodist (6-8, 2-0) went ahead 40-38 with just under two minutes to play in the half before a late Methodist foul sent Ferrum (8-7, 1-1) to the line, tying the game at 40.

Methodist freshman Mark Jernigan scored the first basket of the second half and sophomore Leland Jones put the Monarchs up by seven.  The Panthers tied the game at 51 with 13:41 to go in the game, but Jones hit three free throws to give the Monarchs the lead for the remainder of the game.  Ferrum cut the lead to eight points with 59 seconds to play, but the Monarchs held on to win 79-71.

Jones led the team with 17 points while Jernigan scored 16 points and senior #A.B. Lehmann# added 14 points.  Sophomore Marcus Connor finished with eight rebounds and five blocks.

The Monarchs will travel to Averett on Wednesday for a 7:30 pm tipoff.

Box Score