Women's Basketball | 2/5/2011 9:30:36 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Methodist University women's basketball team hosted their fourth annual Pink Zone event on Saturday in conjunction with their USA South conference game against Averett University. 

The Monarchs led by as many as 12 points, but Averett battled and cut the lead to four points with just over two minutes to play in the game. Methodist responded and finished 6-for-6 from the free throw line in the final minute to secure the 61-53 victory.

The first half was back and forth with 11 lead changes, but Methodist capitalized on Cougar mistakes with 11 points off of turnovers. The Monarchs finished the half on a 10-3 run to lead 30-22 at the break.

Methodist never trailed in the second half as they continued to create opportunities to get to the free throw line and shot 88 percent from the line in the half. With 2:03 to play, Averett cut the lead to four points, but Methodist's Jackie Lyles responded with a layup at the other end and T.T. Taylor grabbed a steal and Dawn Sanderson finished with a putback to double the margin to eight. Free throws down the stretch secured the win for the Monarchs.

Sanderson led the team with 19 points while Iesha Hayes scored 13 points. Lyles notched her fifth double-double of the season with 10 points and 15 rebounds.

Ashley Washington paced the Cougars with 24 points and 10 rebounds.

Prior to the game, Methodist recognized seniors Kenya Cameron (manager/scorekeeper), Kayla Thompson and Dawn Sanderson.

The Monarchs also recognized breast cancer survivors at halftime during a performance by the legendary beach music band, The Embers, while raising more than $4,000 for breast cancer awareness.

Methodist will be back in action next Saturday when they travel to N.C. Wesleyan for a 2 p.m. tip-off.

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