Women's Basketball | 1/17/2009 4:18:53 PM

FERRUM, Va. - The Methodist women's basketball team took the lead with less than three minutes to go, but the Ferrum Panthers scored the final 11 points of the game to win 79-70.

The Monarchs (7-4, 2-2) were ahead 9-8 early in the first half, but Ferrum (8-3, 4-0) went on a 13-1 run to take a significant lead.  Methodist responded with 10 straight points of their own capped off by back-to-back 3-pointers from senior Amanda Underwood.  Ferurm closed the half with the 37-28 lead.

In the second half, the Monarchs came out strong and tied the game at 49 with a 3-pointer from senior Zan Messer.  The Panthers rebuilt an 11 point lead, but Methodist did not let up as they battled back to tie the game at 68.  Senior Dezzire Gilliard put the Monarchs up by two with a layup with 2:51 to go in the game.  Methodist's next five shots came up empty as Ferrum regained the lead.  The Panthers shot 9-for-10 from the free throw line in the final three minutes to take the 79-70 win.

Gilliard led the Monarchs with 19 points and 8 rebounds.  Junior Michaela Myers added 12 points while Underwood and sophomore Adriana Wilson had 10 a piece.

Methodist will travel to Averett on Wednesday for a 5:30 pm tipoff.

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