FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. Methodist women's basketball welcomed Salem College to the March F. Riddle Center on Saturday afternoon, and after a competitive opening stretch in this USA South matchup, the Monarchs pulled away to secure a 69–42 victory over the Spirits.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Methodist def. Salem, 69–42
Records: Methodist 5–9 (4–3 USA South), Salem 3–7 (0–6 USA South)
Location: March F. Riddle Center; Fayetteville, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The opening minutes featured back-and-forth action, with neither side able to gain separation. Methodist then used an 8–0 run to create early breathing room, as sophomores Giavonna Dunlap and Kayleen Grullon scored three points apiece to give the Monarchs a 12–5 advantage. Salem responded late in the quarter, as a Tyla Whitehead jumper followed by a Triana Smallwood three-pointer trimmed the margin to just two, 12–10, heading into the next period.
- The second quarter mirrored the opening frame early, with the teams trading baskets before Salem briefly grabbed a 16–14 lead. That moment sparked a decisive response from Methodist, as the Monarchs rattled off a 16–0 run to close the half. Grullon, Taylor Watford, and Jada Richardson each scored four points during the surge, helping Methodist build a commanding 30–16 halftime advantage.
- Salem attempted to climb back into the contest at the start of the third quarter, outscoring Methodist 6–2 to pull within 10, 32–22. Following a timeout, however, the Monarchs regained control, closing the quarter on a 9–0 run to stretch the lead to 43–22 entering the final 10 minutes.
- Richardson set the tone early in the fourth quarter, scoring eight of Methodist's first 16 points in the frame. From there, the Monarchs cruised to the finish line, comfortably closing out the 27-point victory.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- Richardson turned in a career performance, posting 20 points and a career-high 17 rebounds to record her third double-double of the season. She became the first Monarch in nearly two years to register at least 20 points and 15 rebounds in a single game.
- Watford was the only other Monarch in double figures with 10 points, while Richardson and Watford were two of six Methodist players to score six or more points.
- Defensively, Methodist recorded seven blocks for the third time this season. Six different Monarchs contributed, led by Jehari Jacobs, who finished with two blocks to match a career-high.
UP NEXT
Methodist returns to the road to face William Peace University for the first time this season on Wednesday, January 14. Opening tip is scheduled for 7 PM.
