FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. -- The Methodist women's basketball team suffered a 77-75 loss to Virginia Wesleyan at the Riddle Center on Wednesday night.

Christian Sanders led the Monarchs (1-6) with 20 points while also tallying eight rebounds. Sydney Bryan added 16 points off the bench, while Jalisia Campbell pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds and added 11 points to record her first double-double of the year. She also added five assists.

For the Marlins (4-2), NiAsia Caldwell finished the night with 31 points on 12 of 19 shooting, including five three-pointers. Jayla Harris registered 23 points, while Naeemah Morris grabbed a team-high six rebounds.

MU held a seven-point lead (18-11) at the end of the first quarter due to a 14-4 run to close out the period. During the run, VWC was held to 2 of 12 shooting from the floor, while MU hit four of eight from the floor. Lillian Geehring dropped two of her four three-pointers of the night during the stretch.

The Marlins outscored the Monarchs 26-15 in the second quarter, however, to hold a 37-33 lead at the break.

In the second half, MU kept the game close and trailed by three (57-54) at the end of the third period. Halfway through the fourth quarter, the Green and Gold tied the game (63-63) after a layup by Bryan, but consecutive treys from VWC gave the visitors the lead, which held to the finish. Trailing by four with just under a minute remaining in regulations, the Monarchs failed to convert on four-straight attempts from the charity stripe.

The Marlins were held to 39.1 percent shooting (27-69) from the floor, including 35.5 percent from behind the arc (11-31). VWC also shot just 46.2 percent (12-26) from the free-throw line. Meanwhile, the Monarchs ended the night shooting a season-high 50.0 percent (22-44), including a 57.1 percent clip (12-21) in the second half. The Monarchs got to the line 44 times but converted on just 27 attempts (.641). MU outrebounded VWC 43-34.

In addition, Geehring finished the night with 15 points, including four three-pointers.

For Virginia Wesleyan, Raya Berkley chipped in six points, five assists and three steals.

The Monarchs return to action at home against Hollins on Dec. 6 beginning at 7 pm.
 
 
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