FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.  Playing host to Averett University, Methodist men's basketball was unable to complete its rally at the Riddle Center, falling to the visiting Cougars, 60-56, in USA South Athletic Conference action on Tuesday afternoon.

Shot-making was at a premium as Averett shot 26 percent (19-of-73) from the field and 15 percent (3-of-19) from behind the arc. Meanwhile, Methodist was 16-of-51 (31.4 percent) from the field and 4-of-17 (23.5 percent) from deep.

THE ESSENTIALS
Final Score: Averett def. Methodist, 60-56
Records: Methodist 5-4 (5-3 USA South); Averett 5-4 (5-3)
Location: Riddle Center; Fayetteville, N.C.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Methodist went on a 14-6 run to end the game as the Cougars missed their last seven field goals of the game. Averett's last basket came with 6:12 remaining in the game but the Cougars were able to hold on for the win, thanks to hitting 6-of-9 from the charity stripe.
• A layup from Garren Dearman made it a 41-36 game at the 11-minute mark of the second half. That basket represented the closest the Monarchs came in the final half until T.J. East's free throws brought the score to 55-50 with 49 seconds left.
• A 6-0 run late in the first half represented the Monarchs' best scoring run of the day. The run featured consecutive Dearman-to-Chris George layups as Methodist chiseled a 24-15 deficit to 24-21. However, Averett responded with a 7-0 run to close out the half with a 31-21 lead entering the break.

THE NUMBERS

• The 116 combined points is tied for the lowest in a Methodist game since January 2018. Garren Dearman's 12 points were enough to tie for the game-high honors. Dearman finished with the 12, plus three assists and three blocks.
• Dante Burden had 11 points while leading the team with seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals, plus two blocks. George had 11 points and six boards, while East had 10 points and four rebounds.
• Methodist made more free throws (20) than field goals (16) while Averett made as many free throws (19) as field goals.
• The difference in the game was the Cougars' 26 offensive rebounds that resulted in 22 more shot attempts than Methodist. Averett had an 18-5 advantage in second chance points.

UP NEXT

• The Monarchs close out their regular season with a two-game series against Pfeiffer University. Methodist hosts the Falcons on Friday, February 26 for a 4:30 p.m. game before traveling to Misenheimer, N.C., on Sunday, February 28 for a 5 p.m. game.
• It is a very quick turnaround for Averett as the Cougars host Pfeiffer on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.