FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. Methodist men's basketball drop their first USA South Athletic Conference game of the year, 69-58, to William Peace University at home, in the March F. Riddle Center, Monday afternoon.

JUST THE FACTS
Final score: William Peace def. Methodist, 69-58
Records: Methodist 1-10 (0-1 USA South), William Peace 3-3 (2-0)
Location: March F. Riddle Center; Fayetteville, North Carolina

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The contest started out with Rashod Rouse of the Pacers nailing a three followed by Kevin McLaughlin Jr. hitting his own three on the ensuing possession for the Monarchs. Two and half minutes later, Methodist outscored William Peace 4-3 to take their first lead of the game at 7-6.
• After a quickly losing the advantage on two three balls to the Pacer's Garrett Phillips, forwards J'Quan Deal and Chris George each had a layup to reclaim the lead at 13-12. William Peace would strike back in a giant way by going on a 20-0 run for the next three minutes and 40 seconds.
• The Monarchs did manage to bring that deficit down by outscoring the Pacers 13-6 in the final eight minutes of the first half. McLaughlin Jr. scored four of the 13, including the last bucket of the half, to make it 38-26 at the break.
• In the early part of the second half, Jamal DeShields-Beard twice made layups that got Methodist back to within single digits, with the second time making the score 42-33. William Peace once again brought their lead back to a 15-point difference before a 6-0 run by the Monarchs brought it back to nine.
• Methodist at one point did get the score to within seven points after a jumper by George but that would be the best the Monarchs were to the score before the Pacers pulled slightly away down the stretch.

MORE TO IT

• Both George and freshman Malcolm Wade had a team-high 12 points for Methodist. George would also bring down 12 boards, including a career-high seven offensive rebounds, for his second double-double in three games.
• The Monarchs struggled to make their shots from the charity strip. As a team, they went 28 times and only made 10 for a percentage of 35.7%. The Pacers on the other hand connected on 19 of 27 (70.4%) in the game.
• Methodist was victorious in the battle of the glass for the contest. The Monarchs were able to come down with 42 rebounds, while William Peace was able to grab 32.

UP NEXT

• Methodist will take on Division I opponent Coastal Carolina University in an exhibition road game on Wednesday, Dec. 15, with tip-off set for 7 PM.
• William Peace head back home for a three game home stand, starting with the University of Lynchburg on Wednesday at 4 PM.