Women's Basketball | 2/4/2009 7:16:11 PM

GREENSBORO, N.C. - The Methodist women's basketball team was in reach of an upset Wednesday night but came up just short in a 71-60 loss to Greensboro College.

Nearly a month ago, the Monarchs struggled against the Pride trailing by 33 points before losing 86-65.  Greensboro (17-1, 11-0) hosted Methodist (11-7, 6-5) in the matchup Wednesday night jumping out to a 22-8 lead in what looked like could be another runaway victory.  The Monarchs got things going on an 11-2 run to close the gap to four points with 7:10 remaining in the first half.  Greensboro rebuilt their lead, holding a 40-25 advantage at halftime.

Five minutes into the second half and the Pride were up by 17, but the Monarchs started chipping away at the lead and trailed by just four with 7:37 to go.  Greensboro hit a three but seniors Amanda Underwood and Dezzire Gilliard converted free throws to cut the lead to three points.  The Pride went back up by 10 but the Monarchs were not finished.  With 1:21 left, sophomore Dawn Sanderson hit a layup to move within six, but the Monarchs were forced to foul and the Pride finished with the 71-60 win.

Gilliard finished with her fifth straight double-double with 22 points and 14 rebounds.  Underwood added 10 points for the Monarchs.

Methodist will host Ferrum on Saturday at 2 pm.

Box Score