FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. Methodist women's basketball returned to USA South play in a dramatic finish on Saturday afternoon, edging Pfeiffer University 53–52 in a tightly contested matchup inside the March F. Riddle Center.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Methodist def. Pfeiffer, 53–52
Records: Methodist 4–8 (3–2 USA South), Pfeiffer 6–4 (4–1 USA South)
Location: March F. Riddle Center; Fayetteville, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The opening quarter set the tone for a defensive battle, as both teams struggled to find an offensive rhythm. After several empty possessions on each side, sophomore Jada Richardson scored the first points of the game for the Monarchs. A 6-0 Methodist run, highlighted by Nyleiah White and Korin Gladden, gave the Monarchs an 8–4 edge before Pfeiffer closed the quarter with four straight points to knot the score at 8–8.
- Methodist found momentum early in the second quarter behind strong interior play from Richardson, who scored four consecutive points. Pfeiffer answered with a six-point run, but a three-pointer from sophomore Giavonna Dunlap sparked a 12-2 surge by the Monarchs, pushing their lead to 24–16. The Falcons responded late, trimming the deficit to just two points, 24–22, heading into halftime.
- Pfeiffer came out of the locker room with renewed energy, outscoring Methodist 9–2 to grab a 31–26 advantage three minutes into the third quarter. The Falcons later built the only double-digit lead of the game at 37–27, but the Monarchs never wavered. Freshman Taylor Watford scored six unanswered points to pull Methodist back within striking distance, and a late 5-2 run closed the gap to one heading into the final period.
- After a brief tied score, 40–40, in the early part of the fourth quarter, Pfeiffer regained control and built a six-point lead, 52–46, with under three minutes remaining, but Methodist dug in defensively and mounted a late comeback. Richardson converted a key basket in the paint, while Gladden helped create extra possessions on the glass.
- In the final seconds, Watford was fouled on a fastbreak and calmly knocked down both free throws to give Methodist a one-point lead, 53–52. On Pfeiffer's final possession, Watford sealed the victory by diving on a loose ball, forcing a turnover as time expired.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- Richardson delivered a career-best performance, finishing with a game-high 18 points and 11 rebounds for her second double-double of the season.
- Watford added 10 points, four rebounds, and two steals in one of her strongest outings of the year, while Gladden contributed across the stat sheet with five points, seven rebounds, and a career-high five steals.
UP NEXT
Methodist travels to Southern Virginia University for the second meeting between the teams this season. Tip-off is set for Wednesday, January 7, at 6 PM.
