LAURINBURG, N.C. -- Tabias Hilliard and Brandon Monk each scored 16 points, two of five Monarchs that scored in double figures, as the Methodist men's basketball team earned an 84-78 win at St. Andrews on Friday evening.
 
The Monarchs (1-0) shot a blistering 57.4 percent (31-54) from the field while St. Andrews shot just 45.1 percent (32-71), and Methodist's bench outscored St. Andrews' 34-20. Brandon Monk and Sameer Daniels scored 16 and 12 points, respectively in reserve roles.
 
Mike Major had 13 points and Jackson Whitley added 11 for the Monarchs. Major and Whitley also grabbed seven rebounds apiece to lead MU.
 
St. Andrews' Jeff Gulley led all scorers with 21 points and added seven rebounds. Alex Tharp had 19 points, and Titus Gary chipped in 14. Tharp and Jibri Banner each had six rebounds for the Knights.
 
Methodist opens its home schedule on Sunday when it hosts Randolph at 2:00 pm.