FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. First-quarter shooting struggles put the Methodist women's basketball team behind on Wednesday night, ultimately leading to a loss against Virginia Wesleyan University in the team's first game of the 2025-2026 season. The Monarchs fought back to within three points of the Marlins in the third quarter but were unable to fully come back from the early deficit, losing by eight.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Virginia Wesleyan def. Methodist, 52-44
Records: Methodist 0-1, Virginia Wesleyan 2-0
Location: March F. Riddle Center; Fayetteville, N.C.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The visitors dominated the first five minutes of the contest, claiming a 9–2 lead as Methodist made just one of its first eight shots from the floor. Jehari Jacobs and Korin Gladden logged back-to-back scores for the Monarchs over the next two minutes, but Virginia Wesleyan scored the final three baskets of the period to take a 15–6 lead into the second quarter.
- A Miqushia Patterson three-pointer was the first basket to fall in the second quarter, followed by a made basket inside the restricted area by Gladden after collecting her own rebound on a missed layup. The teams traded scores back and forth, with Nyleiah White sinking a pair of free throws just before the end of the half to make the difference eight points as Methodist trailed 27–19.
- Defense led to offense for Methodist to start the third quarter, as a block by Eva McRae led to a basket by Arriana White, then a steal by White gave her an opportunity at the free-throw line, where she made one of two attempts. A layup by McRae on the ensuing possession cut Virginia Wesleyan's lead down to three, but the Marlins answered with eight of the next nine points to boost their lead to 10. Brianna Long continued to find a way to the basket, repeatedly cutting to the hoop and scoring points.
- Down 39–29, Methodist scored the first five points of the fourth quarter on a bucket from Gladden and an "and-one" layup by Arriana White. The Monarchs had the deficit cut down to five points, but seven straight points by the visitors suddenly gave the Marlins their largest lead up to that point. Arriana White knocked down the team's second three pointer of the night, but with less than four minutes remaining, there wasn't enough time for the Monarchs to put together another rally.
MORE TO IT
- Methodist shot 3-for-16 in the first quarter without drawing any free-throw attempts.
- The Monarchs had difficulties getting shots to fall all game, including Kayleen Grullon, who finished the outing 1-for-10. However, she made up for her uncharacteristic shooting night with four rebounds, a team-high three assists and one blocked shot. Her presence on the court made a larger impact than what was seen in the stats, as she finished the night with a +14 plus-minus rating.
- Gladden posted team highs of 14 points and six rebounds in the loss, topping her previous career bests of 12 points and five boards. She was closely followed by Arriana White, who totaled 13 points and five rebounds.
UP NEXT
Methodist takes on the University of Lynchburg on Saturday at the Jean Edge Classic in Rocky Mount, tipping off at 3 p.m.
