Men's Basketball | 11/28/2009 4:07:17 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Methodist men's basketball team led early, but Piedmont came from behind in the second half to take the 84-78 win.

Methodist (0-5) jumped out to the 18-11 lead with a layup by sophomore Mark Jernigan midway through the first half. The Lions (2-1) came back and tied the game at 24 with 4:53 left to play in the half, but Methodist held the 38-33 lead at halftime.

Both teams traded baskets early in the second half before Piedmont's Mike Chatman hit a 3-pointer to tie the game at 40. Piedmont went on a 8-0 rally to take a lead that they would not relinquish through the remainder of the game. The Lions led by as many as 15 points before Methodist began to chip away at the lead. The Monarchs cut the lead to five on three different occasions in the final minute, but Piedmont's free throw shooting secured the 84-78 victory.

Jernigan led the Monarchs with 20 points while sophomore Tanner Carnes added 13 points and seven rebounds. Senior Tyler Sigman also scored 13 points for Methodist.

J.C. Herebia led Piedmont with 20 points and eight rebounds.

The Monarchs will travel to Virginia Wesleyan on Tuesday for a 7 p.m. tip-off.

Box Score