FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. Methodist women's basketball faced Salem College for the second time this season on Friday night, collecting a 25-point win in the March F. Riddle Center. The 73-48 victory gives the Monarchs a 6-2 record in USA South Athletic Conference play.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Methodist def. Salem, 73-48
Records: Methodist 10-4 (6-2 USA South), Salem 1-13 (0-7)
Location: March F. Riddle Center; Fayetteville, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Kiley Hicks got the home team on the board first, making a pair of free throws to give Methodist an early 2-0 lead. The Monarchs remained out in front before a 15-2 Salem run saw the score balloon from 8-4 in favor of Methodist to 19-10 in favor of the Spirits. Two made free throws by Aneesa Irizarry pulled the Monarchs to within seven, but Salem still held a 19-12 advantage at the end of the first quarter.
- The Spirits extended their lead to start the second quarter with a made free throw, but Methodist's Hicks took matters into her own hands, scoring the next three baskets. A layup from Jillian Peterson capped off an 8-0 run for the Monarchs, tying the game at 20. Three free throws by Salem briefly gave the Spirits another advantage, but Methodist closed the half on a 13-0 run, taking a comfortable 10-point lead into halftime after holding the visitors to just four points in the second quarter.
- With back-and-forth scoring from both teams, Salem clawed its way back to a six-point deficit midway through the third quarter, trailing 40-34. Outscoring the Spirits 10-5 over the final five minutes of the period, the Monarchs possessed a 50-39 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
- Methodist kept its foot on the gas, cruising to a 61-42 advantage emphasized by Alyssa Shazer's 3-point basket. Shazer's score – and her next – were assisted on by Melissa D'Oleo. Aniyah Tate scored Methodist's last six points.
MORE TO IT
- Methodist was dominant down low, scoring 36 points in the paint compared to Salem's 16.
- Three Monarchs recorded double-digits in points on the outing, including Hicks (17), Tate (12) and Irizarry (11).
- Melissa D'Oleo's eight assists were a career-high and the most a Monarch has recorded in a game this season.
UP NEXT
Methodist returns to the court on Saturday with another USA South contest against Meredith College in the March F. Riddle Center. Tip-off is schedule at 4 PM.