Women's Basketball | 1/18/2010 7:51:30 PM

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. - After both teams exchanged baskets early, Methodist took the 8-7 lead at the 17:57 mark in the first half and cruised to the 80-61 win over N.C. Wesleyan College.

Freshman Jackie Lyles scored her second basket of the game in the first three minutes of the game to give Methodist the lead for good. The Monarchs (9-7, 5-4) shot 12-for-16 from the free throw line to help build a 14 point lead at halftime.

Methodist extended their lead to as many as 26 points in the second half with multiple players contributing. N.C. Wesleyan (0-11, 0-6) cut the lead to 17 in the final minute, but the Monarchs finished with the 80-61 win.

Lyles led the Monarchs with a career-high 20 points while senior Dezzire Gilliard notched her fifth double-double of the season with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Junior Adriana Wilson added 12 points.

Samantha Urquhart led the Bishops with 21 points and 13 boards.

The Monarchs will travel to Christopher Newport on Friday for a 7 p.m. tip-off.

Box Score