Women's Basketball | 2/10/2009 7:21:09 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Methodist women's basketball team avenged an earlier loss with a 72-58 win over the Averett University Cougars.

The Monarchs jumped out to a quick 13-2 lead in the first five minutes, but the Cougars came back and cut the lead to four midway through the half.  Methodist senior Zan Messer hit two free throws to put Methodist up by 10.  Averett came back once again and moved within one with 1:24 to go but Methodist extended their lead to 32-28 at halftime.

Methodist went ahead by six early in the second half but fouls slowed the pace and Averett chipped away at the lead until taking their first lead of the game with 13:18 to go.  The Monarchs' Dezzire Gilliard came back with a layup to regain the lead.  Methodist kept up the pressure to lead by as many as 14 with a last second basket to win 72-58.

Gilliard led the team with 18 points and eight rebounds.  Messer finished with 11 points and sophomore Adriana Wilson added 10 points.

The Monarchs will travel to Meredith on Thursday for a 7 pm tip-off.

Box Score