FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. For the second matchup between the programs this season, Methodist men's basketball welcomed Warren Wilson College to the March F. Riddle Center for a Saturday afternoon non-conference contest. The rematch took a different turn than the opening meeting, with the Owls holding off a late Methodist push to hand the Monarchs a 77–72 defeat.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Warren Wilson def. Methodist, 77–72
Records: Methodist 2–5, Warren Wilson 3–6
Location: March F. Riddle Center; Fayetteville, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Methodist struck first and controlled the early tempo. Dontavious Pettaway provided an immediate spark with a jumper and a pair of putbacks, helping the Monarchs build an 11–5 lead just five minutes in. Methodist's defense created problems for the Owls, forcing early turnovers, and an O'Montae Daniels transition three extended the advantage to seven.
- Warren Wilson gradually clawed back, capitalizing on second-chance opportunities and timely shooting from Tajh Williams and Daniel Smith. The Owls eventually narrowed the margin to one, though Methodist briefly pushed back in front thanks to baskets from Ron Jones and a strong transition finish by KJ Brooks. In the closing minutes of the half, Warren Wilson closed on a 6-0 run, trimming Methodist's lead to 34–33 at the break.
- Out of the locker room, momentum shifted sharply. Methodist missed its first seven shots of the half, while Warren Wilson opened on a 6-0 run to go ahead 39–34—its first lead since the opening minutes. The Monarchs regrouped with baskets from Brooks and Jones, and a Brian Bullock three-pointer brought the game back to a 46–46 tie with 12:43 remaining.
- From there, the teams traded scores in a stretch that featured multiple ties and lead changes. Methodist appeared to seize control after consecutive baskets by Brooks put the Monarchs ahead 59–57. But the Owls responded with the game's defining surge—an 8–0 run fueled by inside finishes and clutch free throws—to take a 65–59 lead.
- Still, Methodist refused to fold. Bullock knocked down a jumper, Tre' Williams buried a three, and Jones converted two free throws to trim the deficit to 69–68 entering the final minutes. But Warren Wilson executed flawlessly down the stretch. José María Palacios drilled a three with 2:21 left, Smith added two free throws, and the Owls closed the game 6-for-6 from the line in the final seconds to secure the win.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- Dontavious Pettaway led Methodist with 21 points, going 11-for-15 at the free-throw line, while adding six rebounds and three steals.
- KJ Brooks delivered a standout performance with 14 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, and a block.
- Tre' Williams finished with 11 points and eight rebounds, while Ron Jones posted 11 points, six boards, and three assists.
- Methodist dominated the glass with a 55–41 rebounding edge, including 26 offensive rebounds leading to 19 second-chance points.
- Cold shooting proved costly, as the Monarchs hit just 22-of-73 (30.1%) from the field and 4-of-22 (18.2%) from three.
UP NEXT
Methodist wraps up its three-game homestand next Saturday, December 13, when Regent University visits Fayetteville for a 4 PM matchup.
