RALEIGH, N.C. The Methodist men's basketball team battled on the road Thursday night at William Peace University in a tightly contested USA South matchup. After 40 minutes were not enough to decide a winner, the Pacers edged the Monarchs 75–73 in overtime inside the Hermann Athletic Center.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: William Peace def. Methodist, 75–73 (OT)
Records: Methodist 8–10 (4–4 USA South), William Peace 7–11 (1–6 USA South)
Location: Hermann Athletic Center; Fayetteville, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- William Peace came out firing from long range in the opening minutes, connecting on its first four made field goals from beyond the arc to grab a 14–11 lead with under 15 minutes remaining in the first half. The Pacers continued their perimeter attack and used a brief run to stretch the margin to 24–18 near the seven-minute mark.
- Despite briefly holding the lead for just 11 seconds early on, Methodist stayed within striking distance and closed the half with a decisive 13–2 run. Juniors Mike Fee, Dontavious Pettaway, and KJ Brooks sparked the surge, combining for six straight points. Sophomore Sean O'Connor later tied the game at 26–26 before a three-pointer from junior Tre' Williams and a layup by senior Tomas Stevens sent the Monarchs into halftime with a 31–26 advantage.
- Out of the break, Brooks and Williams scored quickly to extend Methodist's lead, prompting a William Peace timeout. The Pacers regrouped and responded with a 12–2 run over the next five-and-a-half minutes to even the score at 40–40. The two teams traded baskets down the stretch, entering the under-eight media timeout tied 48–48.
- The back-and-forth continued with eight lead changes over the next several minutes. William Peace briefly created separation with a four-point spurt to go up 62–59, but baskets from Stevens and Brooks tied the game once again at 63–63. The Pacers regained the lead at the free-throw line, but with seconds remaining in regulation, Brian Bullock drilled a long two-pointer to force overtime.
- In the extra period, sophomore O'Montae Daniels opened with four straight points to give Methodist a 69–65 edge. William Peace countered with six consecutive points to reclaim the lead, 71–69. The Monarchs tied the game with 1:30 remaining, but the Pacers knocked down their 11th three-pointer to go back in front, 74–71. Methodist pulled within two and earned a chance at the line in the final seconds, but was unable to convert, as William Peace held on to secure the overtime victory.
MORE TO IT
- Five Monarchs scored in double figures, led by Williams with 15 points.
- William Peace connected on 11 three-pointers, nearly doubling Methodist's total of six from beyond the arc.
- This marked Methodist's third overtime game of the season and its first loss in extra time.
UP NEXT
Methodist continues its three-game road trip on Tuesday, February 3, traveling to North Carolina Wesleyan University for a 7 PM tipoff.
