DANVILLE, Va. -- Davion Ayabarreno posted 26 points to lead a group of five Monarchs scoring in double digits as the Methodist men's basketball team defeated Greensboro 93-75 in the quarterfinals of the USA South Men's Basketball Tournament, hosted by Averett, on Thursday.
 
With the win, the Monarchs moved to 16-10 on the season, while the Pride finish its season with a 14-11 mark.
 
Ayabarreno finished 9 of 18 from the floor and made 7 of 8 free throws to end with a game-high 26 points. He also collected a game-high 16 rebounds for his fifth double-double of the season. Rae Hall and Bryan Rouse each posted 19 points, while Jackson Whitley registered 10 points. Irving Aughurn shot 5 of 7 from the field and scored 12 points in 16 minutes off the bench
 
Christopher Corbin and Donavan Griffith each finished the night with 14 points, while Corbin tallied five assists. Matteo Baggio posted 11 points on 5 of 7 shooting from the floor, all coming in the first half.
 
The Monarchs opened the game with a 20-4 run over the first six minutes. During the run, MU shot 61.3 percent from the field, including Ayabarreno who tallied 14 points on 6 of 7 shooting with three rebounds and a steal. The Green and Gold led by as many as 26 as it went into the break with a 60-35 lead. In the first half, the Monarchs shot a staggering 65.7 percent (23-35) from the floor as Aybarreno finished the period with 17 points, while Hall and Aughburns tallied 15 and 10, respectively.
 
In the second half, MU held a 32-point lead (72-40) with 13:51 left to play before the Pride went on an 18-6 run to cut the deficit down to 18 (78-60) with a little over six minutes to play. GC came within 15 points, but fell, 90-75.
 
The Monarchs shot 50.7 percent (36-71) from the field, while the Pride made 40.0 percent (28-70) of their shots. MU hit 76.2 percent (16-21) of its free throws compared to GC hitting just 58.8 percent (14-24) of its charity tosses. The Monarchs held a 48-39 edge in rebounding on Thursday.
 
Additionally, Blake Davis finished with two points, six assists, six rebounds and a pair of steals.
 
Methodist returns to action for the semifinals of the USA South Men's Basketball Tournament tomorrow, Feb. 24, against the No. 3 seed Maryville scheduled to begin at 5 pm. The game will also hosted by Averett at the Grant Center.