Men's Basketball | 2/8/2010 9:00:55 PM

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Methodist senior Tyler Sigman has been looking forward to playing the University of Charleston for months. It was not a conference game or an anticipated rival, but the trip gave the senior a chance to play back in his home state of West Virginia. He did not disappoint, with a team-high 16 points.

Sigman is just one of three Methodist players from the "Mountain State." Freshmen Brian Sigman and Bruce Patterson also had a chance to make the trek home. The game was rescheduled after heavy snow postponed the game in December.

The Monarchs (2-19) took the early 6-2 lead before Charleston (12-7) tied the game at six and again at 10. The Golden Eagles went on a run to take the 27-15 lead before extending their lead to as many as 16 points in the first half. Methodist freshman Kyle Combs tipped in the final basket of the half to move the Monarchs within 12 points.

Methodist moved within 11 points on three different occasions during the second half, but Charleston pulled away late to take the 100-70 win.

Sigman paced the team with 16 points while sophomore Mark Jernigan scored 11 points and junior Travis Fulp added 10 points.

Bahaadar Russell led the Golden Eagles with 22 points.

The Monarchs will be back to host N.C. Wesleyan on Saturday at 4 p.m.

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