STAUNTON, Va. Methodist women's basketball squared off with Mary Baldwin University for a second time in USA South play on Friday afternoon, using a dominant third-quarter surge to pull away for a 68–56 victory over the Fighting Squirrels inside the Physical Activity Center.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Methodist def. Mary Baldwin, 68–56
Records: Methodist 8–10 (7–4 USA South), Mary Baldwin 3–14 (2–9 USA South)
Location: Physical Activity Center; Staunton, Virginia
HOW IT HAPPENED
- After Mary Baldwin scored the opening basket of the contest, Korin Gladden, Jada Richardson, and Taylor Watford each answered with two points to give Methodist the early 6–2 advantage. A 7-2 run by the Fighting Squirrels briefly swung the lead their way, 9–8, but the Monarch responded behind strong interior defense. Back-to-back blocks sparked baskets by Gladden and Nyleiah White, pushing Methodist back in front 12–9. Late free throws by Mary Baldwin trimmed the margin to one, as the Monarchs carried a 12–11 lead into the second quarter.
- The two teams traded baskets early in the second period until Richardson capped off a Monarch six-point run by scoring four straight points, extending the lead to 24–17. Mary Baldwin answered with a 6–1 spurt of its own to close within two, 25–23. Junior Kenya Atterbury knocked down a three-pointer late in the quarter to give Methodist momentum, but the Fighting Squirrels responded with a triple of their own, sending the game into halftime with the Monarchs holding a slim two-point edge.
- Coming out of the break, Methodist seized control. The Monarchs opened the third quarter on a decisive 14–0 run, fueled by Watford and Jehari Jacobs, who combined for nine points during the stretch. Mary Baldwin attempted to counter with a pair of three-pointers, but Methodist answered each time with quick scores of its own. The Monarchs outscored the Fighting Squirrels 22–10 in the third quarter and carried a commanding 50–36 lead into the final period.
- The fourth quarter began much like the second, with both teams exchanging baskets over the opening minutes. Midway through the frame, Methodist put the game away with an 8–2 run to stretch the lead to 64–44. Richardson was clutch during the stretch, going a perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line. Mary Baldwin closed the game on a 9–2 run, but the deficit proved too large to overcome as Methodist secured the road victory.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- Richardson led all scorers with a career-high 25 points, knocking down 9-of-10 free throws while pulling down nine rebounds.
- Watford and Kayleen Grullon also reached double figures with 13 and 11 points, respectively. Additionally, Grullon filled the stat sheet with career-highs in rebounds (9), assists (6), and blocks (3), while adding four steals.
- Methodist controlled the glass, outrebounding Mary Baldwin 50–28. It marked the fifth time this season the Monarchs recorded 50 or more rebounds. The Monarchs also swatted seven shots, matching a season high for the fourth time.
UP NEXT
Methodist returns home to the March F. Riddle Center to host North Carolina Wesleyan University on Wednesday, January 28. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 PM.
