Women's Basketball | 2/23/2014 3:31:00 PM

Box Score FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. -- The Methodist women's basketball team limited Mary Baldwin to 26.5 percent shooting and forced 27 turnovers in posting a 74-49 win on Sunday afternoon at the Riddle Center.
 
The Monarchs (15-10, 11-8 USA South) forced over twice as many turnovers (27) as baskets allowed (13), and 16 different players scored as MU methodically pulled away in the regular-season finale. Methodist also posted a 55-35 edge in rebounding over the Fighting Squirrels, who wrap up an 0-25 (0-19 USA South) season.
 
In the first half, the Monarchs used a 13-0 run to turn a 9-8 deficit at the 14:18 mark into a 21-9 lead by the 10:49 mark. Jackie Lyles, playing in her final game in the Riddle Center, scored six of her 12 points during the run and assisted on a pair of buckets by Ayanna Pegues.
 
Methodist extended its lead to as much as 18 points in the first half, as Mary Baldwin endured a stretch of 17 consecutive missed shots coupled with 10 turnovers. A three-pointer by Shanice Miles with 37 seconds left in the opening half snapped MBC's cold streak and gave MU a 34-19 lead at the break.
 
The Fighting Squirrels pulled as close as 14 points (38-24) early in the second half, but MU quickly pushed its lead back to 20 (45-25) on a layup by Sydney Bryan at the 16:37 mark and cruised to the win.
 
Mary Baldwin made just 13-of-49 attempts from the field (.265), compared to 30-of-74 (.405) for the Monarchs. MBC finished 18-of-34 from the foul line (.529), and Methodist made good on 13-of-23 free-throw attempts (.565).
 
In addition to her team-high 12 points, Lyles added six steals and three assists. Miriya Bryant, also playing in her final home game, added 10 points. Jalisia Campbell pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds,  and Bryan added nine points and six rebounds.
 
Miles led all scorers with 25 points, but shot just 8-of-21. She also contributed five boards, and five steals. Jazmine Brooks added 15 points.
 
Methodist will now await word on its first-round opponent in the USA South Tournament.