Methodist University Athletics

LAGRANGE, Ga. -- The Methodist men's basketball team dropped a 97-79 decision at LaGrange College on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Panthers improved to 7-1 on the season in the USA South opener for both teams. The Monarchs fell to 4-5 overall and 0-1 in league play.
 
Methodist held a five-point lead at halftime (44-39), but LaGrange 62.9 percent (22-35) in the second half and outscored MU, 58-35, over the final 20 minutes. The Panthers opened the second half by hitting seven of their first eight shots as part of a 16-2 run over the first 4:25 to take a 55-46 lead. Methodist halted the run on its next possession, but LC quickly answered and never led by less than eight the rest of the way.
 
The Panthers surge in the second half was in stark contrast to the first half that featured eight ties and six lead changes. The Monarchs scored five points in the final 22 seconds of the first half, including Davion Ayabarenno's three as time expired, to take the aforementioned 44-39 lead into halftime.
 
Methodist shot 41.5 percent (27-65) for the game, but just 33.3 percent (9-27) in the second half. The Panthers finished just over 50.0 percent for the game, hitting on 35-of-69 (.507) attempts from the field. MU held a one-rebound edge (42-41) in the contest.
 
Sameer Daniels led MU with 14 points, and Tabias Hilliard and Brandon Monk each scored 13. Daniels and Monk each had a team-best six rebounds. Troynell Reese added six points and five boards.
 
Mark Wagner scored 27 points to lead the Panthers, and Braxton Ford chipped in 23. Justyn Olson had 14 points, and Wagner and Olson grabbed seven and six rebounds, respectively.
 
The Monarchs are now off until Dec. 28 when they play at High Point.