Men's Basketball | 1/21/2009 9:52:39 PM

DANVILLE, Va. - The Methodist men's basketball team played a tight second half, but the first half deficit was too large as Averett defeated the Monarchs 89-68.

Both teams took turns scoring early with junior Tyler Sigman's free throws evening the score at seven three minutes into the game.  Averett (9-7, 2-1) outscored the Methodist (6-9, 2-1) 16-2 over the next seven minutes to take the lead.  The Cougars took a 44-24 lead into the lockerroom at halftime.

Averett led by as many as 35 points in the second half, but the Monarchs fought back and went on a run of their own.  Methodist scored 26 points over the next five and half minutes holding the Cougars to just eight, cutting the margin to 16 points.  Averett maintained their lead and finished the game with the 89-68 win.

Freshman Mark Jernigan led the Monarchs with 16 points while seniors #A.B. Lehmann and Alex Meadows# scored 13 a piece.  Sophomore Marcus Connor paced the team with nine rebounds.

The Monarchs will host LaGrange on Saturday at 4 pm.

Box Score