FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. The Methodist University men's basketball team opened its home schedule Wednesday night, welcoming Mid-Atlantic Christian University to the March F. Riddle Center for a non-conference matchup. After a slow start, the Monarchs found their rhythm on both ends of the floor, using timely scoring and defensive pressure to pull away for a 91–68 victory over the Mustangs.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Methodist def. Mid-Atlantic Christian, 91–68
Records: Methodist 3–0, Mid-Atlantic Christian 0–4
Location: March F. Riddle Center; Fayetteville, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Mid-Atlantic Christian opened the scoring with a three-pointer as Methodist worked to find its offensive rhythm in the early minutes. The Monarchs eventually got on the board with baskets from seniors Derrion Hicklen, Tre' Williams, and KJ Brooks to take a 6–3 lead. Methodist then began turning defense into offense, taking advantage of several Mustang turnovers to fuel a 9–4 run and extend its advantage to 15–7.
- Later in the first half, the Monarchs put together an 8–0 run, with Brooks accounting for six points, to double their lead at 28–14 with fewer than four minutes remaining. Mid-Atlantic Christian answered with six consecutive points to trim the deficit, but senior Ron Jones helped spark a 7–4 Methodist run over the final two minutes of the half, sending the Monarchs into the break with a 37–24 advantage.
- The teams traded baskets to open the second half before a pair of Mustang turnovers fueled six unanswered points for Methodist, pushing the lead to 45–29. The Monarchs continued to build their advantage, with Hicklen adding a pair of baskets and Williams connecting from beyond the arc to help extend the margin to 54–37.
- Methodist maintained control through the middle portion of the half. Senior Deuce Rice came up with a pair of steals, while Williams and Brooks continued to contribute offensively. Junior Justice Johnson also made his presence felt in the paint, adding a dunk and a pair of free throws. Hicklen followed with a step-back jumper and another layup, helping the Monarchs stretch their lead to 66–45 with 10:59 remaining.
- The Monarchs kept their momentum down the stretch. Brooks connected on a pair of jumpers, while Williams and senior O'Montae Daniels added baskets in the paint. Rice continued to make an impact on both ends of the floor, recording another steal before converting a layup. Methodist eventually built its largest lead of the night at 86–56 with just over three minutes remaining.
- Mid-Atlantic Christian added several late baskets, including a pair of three-pointers from Chandler Olokor, but Methodist remained comfortably in front. Senior Fred Juden and Jones each added a late layup as the Monarchs closed out the 91–68 victory.
BY THE NUMBERS
- Brooks led all players with 22 points. Hicklen (19), Williams (13), and Johnson (10) also reached double figures for the Monarchs.
- Methodist's defensive pressure forced 30 turnovers, which the Monarchs converted into 36 points. Rice led the way with a career-high six steals.
- Johnson made his presence felt in the paint, recording a career-high four blocked shots while collecting a team-high six rebounds.
- The Monarchs turned in an efficient shooting performance, converting just over 63% of their field-goal attempts.
- With Wednesday's victory, Methodist improved to 3–0 for the first time since the 2004–05 season.
UP NEXT
Methodist heads out on the road for its next two contests, beginning with a visit to Regent University on Saturday, November 14. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 PM.
