RALEIGH, N.C.  Despite a game-high 18 points from Tyzarea Alexander, a big second quarter by William Peace University was the Monarchs' downfall as Methodist women's basketball fell to the Pacers, 75-58, in USA South Athletic Conference action Wednesday evening.

In the second quarter, William Peace outscored the Monarchs, 34-14. In the other three quarters, however, Methodist outscored the Pacers, 44-41. The Monarchs played especially well in the fourth quarter, winning the period, 18-5.

THE ESSENTIALS
Final score: William Peace def. Methodist, 75-58
Records: Methodist 2-16 (1-9 USA South), William Peace 15-2 (8-0)
Location: Hermann Athletic Center; Raleigh, N.C.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Monarchs scored the first 14 points of the fourth quarter to turn a 70-40 deficit into a 70-54 score. Kadie Snipes began the period with a three-pointer and scored seven points in the run. Two made Chakalyn Patterson free throws with three minutes left cut the deficit down to 13 points, the closest the Monarchs came in the second half.
• LeTrice Pearson earned a basket off of her own steal to cut the deficit to 58-35 midway through the third quarter and the Pacers responded with a 10-0 run that featured eight straight points from Lauryn Cross.
• Trailing 12-2 early in the first period, the Monarchs rallied with a 8-3 run en route to a 15-10 score entering the second quarter. However, a 10-0 William Peace run turned a 31-18 score into a 41-18 score, effectively deciding the game in the second period.
• The Pacers caught fire in the second quarter, shooting 72 percent (13-of-18) from the field and 67 percent (six-of-nine) from deep.
• Alexander had 13 of her 18 points in the first half as she shot five-of-eight from the field.

STAT FACTS

• Snipes finished with eight points, three rebounds and two steals, plus a block.
• Pearson had eight points, two rebounds, and two steals.
• Zytipha Joines had a statline of six points and two steals.
• Patterson had a team-high seven rebounds.
• Cross had a team-high 16 points for William Peace.

UP NEXT

• The Monarchs visit Salem College on January 28 for a 7 p.m. game. Methodist previously defeated the Spirits, 63-52, in the Riddle Center on December 18.
• William Peace's next game is against host North Carolina Wesleyan on January 25, 4 p.m.