FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. -- Piedmont rallied late for a 51-48 win over the Methodist men's basketball team on Saturday afternoon at the Riddle Center.
 
The Lions (13-9, 5-6 USA South) closed the game on an 11-5 run to eke out the win over Methodist (7-15, 3-8).
 
Brandon Monk gave the Monarchs a 43-40 lead with just over 4:30 to play, before a late dry spell befell the Monarchs. Methodist hit on just one of its final seven shots from the floor and only 1-of-3 free-throw attempts. Despite the struggles from the field, MU had several chances to tie and/or take the lead in the waning minutes.
 
After Monk's jumper, the Lions got a layup from Justin Vallejo to make it 43-42 with 2:53 on the clock. Monk made it 44-42 by splitting a pair of free throws on the ensuing possession, but PC's Trae Gaines tied the game at 44-44 with 2:19 to play with a short jumper.
 
Monk missed a potential go-ahead jumper for MU, and Piedmont answered with a corner three by Peyton Luken to take a 47-44 lead with 1:39 to play. Two free throws by Tabias Hilliard pulled MU to within 47-46 and 1:19 to play, but Vallejo scored inside again to restore a three-point lead.
 
Following a turnover by the Lions, Monk scored inside to make it 49-48 with seven seconds to play. The Monarchs sent Luken to the line, where he converted a pair of free throws, and Hilliard missed a potential game-tying three as time expired.
 
Methodist held Piedmont to 38.8 percent shooting as a team (19-49) and forced 15 turnovers. However, MU was held to 28.8 percent (17-59) shooting and was outrebounded 41-34.
 
Monk led the Monarchs with a double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds - both game-highs. Mike Major had nine points and six rebounds, and Jackson Whitley chipped in seven points, five boards and three blocks.
 
Vallejo led the Lions with 12 points off the bench, and Gaines had 11 points and six rebounds. Chris Meeks added eight points and six rebounds.
 
Methodist plays at William Peace on Wednesday beginning at 7:30 pm.