PITTSBURGH, Pa. The Methodist University men's basketball team opened its 2026–27 season Friday night at the Chatham Classic, hosted by Chatham University. The Monarchs built a first-half lead and held off a late St. Mary's comeback attempt to secure a 66–61 victory over the Seahawks at the Athletic & Fitness Center.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Methodist def. St. Mary's, 66–61
Records: Methodist 1-0, St. Mary's 0-1
Location: Athletic & Fitness Center; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
HOW IT HAPPENED
- After falling behind 6–2 in the opening four minutes, Methodist found its offensive rhythm behind senior Tre' Williams, who knocked down a three-pointer to spark the Monarchs. Fellow senior Deuce Rice followed with a triple of his own a couple of minutes later, giving Methodist a 12–11 advantage. St. Mary's briefly reclaimed the lead, but back-to-back baskets from senior Dontavious Pettaway and a layup by senior KJ Brooks helped the Monarchs move in front, 20–15.
- The Methodist offense continued to build momentum as Brooks and Williams combined for an 8–2 run over the next several minutes, extending the Monarchs' lead to double digits at 28–17. St. Mary's responded by tightening its defense and finding its footing offensively, trimming the deficit to just two points, 30–28, with 3:20 remaining in the first half. Williams added five more points down the stretch, but a last-second three-pointer by the Seahawks made it a three-point game, 35–32, at halftime.
- Williams opened the second half with a basket and a free throw, but St. Mary's answered with a 9–2 run to take a 41–40 lead, its first since the 12:46 mark of the opening half. Methodist quickly responded, putting together a 10–2 run to regain control at 50–43, with Williams accounting for six points during the stretch.
- The two teams traded baskets over the ensuing minutes, with Methodist maintaining its advantage as the game reached the final three minutes. Leading 62–56 with 2:25 remaining, the Monarchs saw the Seahawks make one final push. St. Mary's scored five unanswered points to pull within one, 62–61, with just under a minute remaining.
- Senior Derrion Hicklen helped steady the Monarchs at the free-throw line, converting a pair of attempts to extend the lead. The Seahawks had a chance to pull even with a pair of three-point attempts, but neither found the mark. Brooks secured the rebound for Methodist before converting two free throws of his own to seal the 66–61 season-opening victory.
MORE TO IT
- Williams led the Monarchs offensively with a career-high 26 points, matching his career best with nine made field goals.
- Brooks also reached double figures, finishing with 17 points. The senior contributed across the stat sheet with six rebounds, six assists, three steals, and two blocks.
- Making his Methodist debut, junior Justice Johnson recorded four points, six rebounds, and one block.
UP NEXT
Methodist returns to action Saturday, November 7, for the second day of the Chatham Classic. The Monarchs will face Hartwick College in another neutral-site matchup, with opening tip scheduled for noon.
