Men's Basketball | 11/28/2010 8:02:52 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Methodist men's basketball team fell short according to the scoreboard on Sunday night, but battled for 40 minutes with nationally ranked Virginia Wesleyan.

The Marlins (6-0) jumped out in front, but Methodist (0-5) took the 9-7 lead on a jumper from Mark Jernigan with 14:28 to play in the first half. Virginia Wesleyan regained the lead and took a seven point advantage before the Monarchs cut the lead to two on a 3-pointer from Travis Fulp. It was a half of runs as the Marlins rallied for an 11-1 run to lead by 12. Methodist came right back and closed the half on a 7-0 run to trail just 35-30 at the break.

Virginia Wesleyan led by as many as 15 in the second half, but the Monarchs started to chip away at the lead. Kyle Combs scored on a traditional three-point play with a fastbreak layup and free throw to cut the Marlins' lead to one with 3:36 to play in the game. Virginia Wesleyan countered with timely baskets to cushion their lead to nine. Methodist's Tanner Carnes drained a three with 2:27 to play to cut the lead to six, but the Monarchs were forced to foul late setting up the Marlins' 81-71 victory.

Carnes paced the Monarchs with 23 points and five rebounds. Fulp scored 14 points with four threes on the night. Bryan Hockaday added nine points and five rebounds.

Virginia Wesleyan had three players in double figures with D.J. Woodmore and Chris Teasley leading the team with 22 a piece.

Methodist will take the road next weekend to play at Emory and Piedmont Dec. 4-5.

Box Score