Men's Basketball | 2/24/2009 10:30:05 PM

FERRUM, Va. - The Monarchs let a ten point lead slip away late in the second half but took over in overtime to win 79-74 over Ferrum in the USA South Tournament Quarterfinal. With the win, the Monarchs will face Averett on Friday at 4 pm.

Ferrum (14-12) started off strong jumping out to the 10-4 lead, but Methodist (10-16) came back on a 7-0 run to take their first lead of the game with 10:57 remaining in the first half. The Panthers led for most of the first half, but Methodist junior Tyler Sigman hit a jumper with 14 seconds to go to tie the game at 23 at halftime.

Both teams exchanged baskets early in the second half before the score was tied again at 36.  Methodist went on another run to lead 51-41 with 7:18 to go in the game. Ferrum cut the lead to three, but senior #A.B. Lehmann# hit a 3-pointer to put the Monarchs back up by six with 4:30 on the clock. A Ferrum three pointer with 23 seconds on the clock cut the lead to one but after a Methodist turnover the Panthers had a chance to take the lead. Sophomore Marcus Connor grabbed the rebound on the missed shot and was fouled. Connor hit his second free throw to give the Monarchs a two-point cushion before Ferrum's Justin Henderson scored the game-tying basket to send the game to overtime.

The Monarchs out scored the Panthers 16-11 through overtime thanks to 6-for-8 free throw shooting. Ferrum moved within three with seven seconds to go, but freshman Mark Jernigan knocked down two free throws to seal the 79-74 victory.

Jernigan led the Monarchs with 25 points while Sigman scored 18. Lehmann and sophomore Joshua Crumpler each added 10 points. Connor had a well-rounded night with 10 points, 10 rebounds and seven blocks.

The Monarchs advance to the USA South Tournament semifinals held at Christopher Newport University. Sixth seeded Methodist will take on #2 Averett on Friday at 4 pm.

Box Score

Tournament Web Site