Women's Basketball | 1/27/2009 7:24:54 PM

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. - The Methodist women's basketball team built on a four point halftime lead to take the 66-56 win at N.C. Wesleyan Tuesday night.

The Battling Bishops (4-10, 2-5) took the early 15-8 lead midway through the first half.  Methodist (10-5, 5-3) regained the lead on a jumper from senior Amanda Underwood with less than five minutes to play in the half.  N.C. Wesleyan responded with two free throws to take the 21-20 lead, but the Monarchs came back and took the 29-25 lead at halftime.

Methodist extended their lead to 11 points with 12:05 to go on a free throw from sophomore Dawn Sanderson.  N.C. Wesleyan went on a 12-0 run to take the 47-46 lead, but Sanderson got to the free throw line to knock down two and regain the lead.  The Monarchs were 8-for-10 from the free throw line in the final three minutes to pick up their third straight win 66-56.

Senior Dezzire Gilliard led the Monarchs with 15 points and 11 rebounds while Sanderson notched her first career double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.  Sophomore Adriana Wilson also added 14 points.

The Monarchs will host Shenandoah on Saturday at 2 pm.

Box Score