Men's Basketball | 1/3/2011 7:30:35 PM

LEXINGTON, Va. - The Methodist men's basketball team used a second half surge to earn the 81-69 victory over Wells College Monday afternoon.

The first half of action featured seven lead changes and two ties as both teams traded baskets for nearly 20 minutes. Neither team led by more than four points, but Methodist closed the final 2:30 on a 6-2 run to earn the 35-33 lead at the break.

Methodist never trailed in the second half, building a seven point lead in the first five minutes capped off by a layup from Mark Jernigan. Jernigan scored 24 of his 33 points during the second half shooting 9-for-9 from the field. Wells tied the game at 51, but Methodist responded with a 10-0 run to regain control. The Monarchs led by as many as 16 points before finishing with the 81-69 victory.

Jernigan finished with a career-high 33 points and added eight rebounds. Josh Hayes and James Whitehead added 14 points apiece while Kyle Combs paced the team on the boards with 11.

Dave Foltz led Wells with 21 points in the contest.

Jernigan was named to the All-Tournament team for his efforts.

Methodist will be back in action on Saturday when they host Ferrum College at 4 p.m. in their first USA South Athletic Conference game.

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