Women's Basketball | 2/8/2012 8:53:00 PM

Box Score RALEIGH, N.C. - The Methodist University women's basketball team held on strong to defeat Peace College 74-61 Wednesday night.

The Monarchs (12-10, 9-6) took the early 10-2 lead and went ahead 18-5 on a bucket from Christina Schrader with 13:10 remaining in the first half. Peace (2-20, 1-14) cut the lead to four with 2:33 left to play, but Methodist's Iesha Hayes scored a basket at the buzzer to give the Monarchs the 36-28 advantage at halftime.

Methodist scored the first basket of the second half and went on to extend their lead by 15 points at 48-33 five minutes into the period. The Pacers came back and cut the lead to four with 6:28 on the clock, but Hayes came right back with a 3-pointer at the other end. Methodist maintained control down the stretch finishing strong from the free throw line. Jackie Lyles put the final stamp on the game with a fast break basket from Courtney Woods for the 74-61 win.

Lyles paced the team with 21 points and 14 rebounds while T.T. Taylor had 15 points and 16 boards. Hayes finished up with 14 points including a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line.

Methodist will be back in action on Saturday when they travel to Ferrum College for a 2 p.m. tip-off.

Box Score