Men's Basketball | 1/17/2011 9:57:14 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Methodist men's basketball team battled back from a 14-point deficit to cut the lead to two, but N.C. Wesleyan held on for the 73-69 win Monday night.

There were 10 lead changes in the first half alone before the Bishops went on a 15-0 run to hold the 31-18 lead with 3:32 to play. The Monarchs battled back to trail by eight at halftime. 

N.C. Wesleyan (12-5, 4-0) led 51-37 after the first five minutes of the second half, but Methodist kept fighting to close the gap. Terrell Stallings drained a 3-pointer with 9:27 remaining to move within four points. Stallings hit two free throws to cut the lead to two. Both teams exchanged baskets and Methodist still trailed by four with 30 seconds on the clock. Turnovers and fouls down the stretch helped the Bishops hold on for the 73-69 win.

Stallings finished with a career-high 25 points and seven rebounds. Bryan Hockaday and Josh Hayes added 10 points a piece.

Matt Dougherty paced the Bishops with 22 points including 11-for-11 shooting from the free throw line.

Methodist will be back in action on Saturday when they host Shenandoah at 4 p.m.

Box Score