FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.  Methodist University women's basketball returned to its home court to take on USA South Athletic Conference opponent Salem College on Tuesday. The contest was a one-sided affair for the Monarchs as they blew out the Spirits by 52 points in their 83–31 victory.
 
This was the largest margin of victory in the series history between Methodist and Salem.

JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Methodist def. Salem, 83–31
Records: Methodist 3-5 (1-1 USA South), Salem 0-7 (0-2)
Location: March F. Riddle Center; Fayetteville, North Carolina

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The ballgame started with the Monarchs recording the opening 11 points before Nicole Hester registered the first points for the Spirits. Afterward, Tori Coleman scored four of the next ten Methodist points before baskets by Serenity Webb, and Aleigha Robinson finished the first quarter scoring for the Monarchs.
• Methodist began the second quarter on another 10-0 run, with Melissa D'Oleo and Kayleen Grullon each making a three-pointer. Grullon then continued her scoring output by registering the next four Monarch points, following a three by Salem. The Methodist trio of Giavonna Dunlap, Destiny Richardson, and Arriana White then recorded their first respective baskets of the game to make it a 34-point difference, 47-13, heading into halftime.
• The early stages of the third period saw each side score four points, with Kiley Hicks registering all of the points for the Monarchs, and then, a triple by Alyssa Shazer sparked a run of ten points for Methodist. That would be all of the third-quarter scoring for the Monarchs, as the Spirits recorded the last four points before heading into the final period.
• Within the first two minutes and 15 seconds of the fourth quarter, Methodist scored ten of its 22 points, with White recording four herself. The next six Monarch points were then from Richardson before Korin Gladden finished off Methodist's scoring with the final six points.

MORE TO IT

• Gladden led all Monarchs in scoring as she recorded a season-high ten points. In addition to her 5-of-7 night from the field, she added four rebounds, two assists, and a block.
• Rebecca McGaughnea, Richardson, and Shazer all nearly missed double figures as they all scored nine points.
• Methodist had some excellent ball movement tonight, and it showed with the team tallying 24 assists, including six players with multiple assists.
• The Monarchs also got quality minutes from their reserve players, as they accounted for 72.3% of the team's total points.

UP NEXT
It's a quick turnaround for Methodist as the Monarchs are in action again on Wednesday, December 18, with another home game. They will face the Tornados of Brevard College at 4 PM.