FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. Taking on the USA South's preseason favorite in the form of Southern Virginia University, the Methodist women's basketball team struggled to hit shots in the second half, falling 69–45 on Friday evening. The Monarchs — shorthanded due to injuries — battled hard with only nine players available.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Southern Virginia def. Methodist, 69–45
Records: Methodist 1–3 (0–1 USA South), Southern Virginia 1–2 (1–0 USA South)
Location: March F. Riddle Center; Fayetteville, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
It quickly became the Abigail Snyder show as the former all-conference first teamer scored eight of Southern Virginia's first 10 points, guiding her team to a six-point advantage. With the Knights ahead 17–7,
Miqushia Patterson knocked down back-to-back three pointers to cut the difference down to four points, and the Monarchs finished out the first quarter down 21–16.
Coming out of the second-quarter media timeout, the Monarchs scored six points in a row (which included two baskets by
Arriana White) to claw within three points of the visitors. However, the Knights ended the half on a 13–3 run, taking hold of a 40–27 halftime lead.
Hustling for offensive rebounds, the Monarchs had ample opportunities in the third quarter but just couldn't get the shots to fall.
Korin Gladden led Methodist offensively in the second half with six points, all of which came in the fourth quarter, but the deficit was too great to overcome. Snyder put together an impressive closing quarter, scoring 11 of her team's 15 points to finish the outing with a game-high 35 as she made 13 of 18 attempts from the field and went six for seven at the free-throw line.
MORE TO IT
The Monarchs secured a strong 27 offensive boards in their 49-rebound effort, while the Knights finished the game with 50 total rebounds. Gladden quietly put together a solid stat line that included 10 points, five rebounds, two blocks, and team highs of four assists and three steals.
UP NEXT
The Monarchs are back at home on Saturday at 3 p.m. when they take on Mary Baldwin University in another USA South Athletic Conference clash.
