FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. The perfect way to start a season is with a win and Methodist men's basketball did just that with a 70-67 non-conference victory over visiting Roanoke College in front of the Monarchs' home fans for their season opener.
The game featured five lead changes and four ties as neither team was ever able to stretch their advantage into double-digits. Methodist shook off an early nine-point deficit in the first half to take a 33-32 lead into halftime, its first since the score was 5-4.
Leading the way as sixth man
Garren Dearman went for 19 points, including 10-of-11 from the free throw line, eight rebounds, plus two blocks, all team highs.
Kevin McLaughlin Jr. was close to a double-double with 11 points and eight rebounds, in addition to a team-high four assists.
THE ESSENTIALS
Final score: Methodist def. Roanoke, 70-67
Records: Methodist 1-0, Roanoke 0-1
Location: Riddle Center; Fayetteville, N.C.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The two teams' performances at the charity stripe made all the difference as each team attempted 35 free throws but the Maroons only made 21 and went cold from the stripe in the second half (16-of-29, 55%) while the Monarchs went 26-of-35 overall and 81% (17-of-21) in the final frame.
- Two J'Quan Deal free throws to make it a 45-43 score gave Methodist its final lead of the game but the Monarchs had to battle to hold on for the win. The two teams spent the majority of the second half trading buckets and free throws. Methodist was unable to extend their lead past nine points while the Maroons were never able to make it a one-possession game until 12 seconds remained in the game, when Efosa Edosomwan converted a layup.
- With the game at 69-66 and under nine seconds remaining, McLaughlin Jr. made one of his two free throws to essentially ice the game for Methodist.
- Over the final two minutes of the first half, Methodist saw a 32-25 deficit turn into a 33-32 lead by going five-of-seven from the free throw line.
- The Maroons had an early 19-10 advantage, thanks to an 8-0 run. A three-pointer from Thomas Dillon returned the game to a nine-point Roanoke lead, with the score at 30-21 with three minutes left in the first half.
STAT FACTS
- Kaymon Mitchell was the other Monarch player in double digits with 13 points. He also had six rebounds and contributed two blocks and two steals off the bench.
- Dante Burden, a second team all-conference selection from last season, had nine points on four-of-six shooting, five rebounds, and a game-high five steals.
- Calvin Manley added eight points and five rebounds.
- Edosomwan led the Maroons with a team-high 17 points on four-of-six shooting. He also had seven rebounds. Off the bench, Thomas only needed 16 minutes of court time to score 15 points, going 4-of-5 from behind the arc.
UP NEXT
- November 13, the Monarchs are on the road against Ferrum College in non-conference action. Tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m.
- Methodist has won the last seven matchups between the two teams, with the last loss coming in January 2016.
