MISENHEIMER, N.C.  Taking just two shots at the free–throw line all night, the Methodist men's basketball team was defeated by Pfeiffer University on Wednesday evening by a score of 85–70. The Falcons, who went 16–for–20 at the stripe, also made 11 three–pointers.   

JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Pfeiffer def. Methodist, 85–70
Records: Methodist 4-10 (0–3 USA South), Pfeiffer 6–6 (2–2 USA South)
Location: Merner Gym; Misenheimer, N.C.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• After a dunk by the home team, Derrion Hicklen knocked down a three on Methodist's first possession of the game to give the Monarchs a one–point lead. Justin Gaten from Pfeiffer quickly began to show off his range as well, canning three shots in a row from behind the arc to push the Falcons ahead 16–7 just over four minutes into the contest.
• With Ke Edwards leading the offensive charge for Methodist, the Monarchs not only chipped away at their early deficit but took the lead after a 21–6 run that was punctuated by a Zac Sledge dunk. The Monarchs stretched their lead to six points, as a layup by David McCallum Jr. made the score 32–26 with 4:30 left in the half. Pfeiffer recaptured the lead on a 9–0 run, then traded a few scores with Methodist before taking a 41–38 lead into halftime.
• Trailing by three, Methodist scored on its first possession of the second half to pull within one point. The Monarchs proceeded to miss their next eight shots while the Falcons pieced together a 10–0 streak, reclaiming a double–digit advantage.
• Methodist pulled back within seven points, but Pfeiffer kept a heavy foot on the gas, shooting over 50% from the field and nearly perfect at the free–throw line to comfortably close the game out.

MORE TO IT

• Ke Edwards led all scorers with 20 points — his third time hitting the 20–point mark this season. He also led the team with six rebounds.
• The Falcons were disciplined, committing just 12 fouls on the night. This limited the Monarchs to an astonishingly low two chances at the free–throw line, both coming after made baskets. On the flip side, Methodist was charged with 21 fouls, leading to Pfeiffer's 16 makes on 20 attempts at the charity stripe.
• Pfeiffer was hot from deep in the first half, shooting 8–for–15 from three–point land. The Falcons finished 11–for–23 from beyond the arc — marking the fourth time a Methodist opponent has made 11 threes this season. The Monarchs struggled from deep (3–for–12), shooting below their average for the third consecutive game.

UP NEXT
The Monarchs will have their hands full on Saturday when they welcome Mary Baldwin University to Fayetteville for a 2 p.m. tipoff. The Fighting Squirrels are 4–0 in USA South play and will be fresh after a week's worth of rest since their 94–93 victory over Pfeiffer this past Saturday.