MISENHEIMER, N.C. Methodist women's basketball came up short in a fourth-quarter comeback attempt Wednesday evening, falling 59–53 to Pfeiffer University in USA South action inside Merner Gym.
THE ESSENTIALS
Final score: Pfeiffer def. Methodist, 59–53
Records: Methodist 8-14 (7-8 USA South), Pfeiffer 12-9 (9-5 USA South)
Location: Merner Gym; Misenheimer, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Jada Richardson set the tone early for Methodist, scoring the Monarchs' first six points to give her team a 6–3 advantage. Pfeiffer responded with an 8–0 run, highlighted by six straight points from Lettie Michael, to take an 11–6 lead. Back-to-back buckets from senior Jehari Jacobs pulled Methodist within one, but another Michael three-pointer pushed the Falcons back ahead by four. Richardson continued to attack late in the quarter, scoring six more points, though Pfeiffer maintained control and carried a 19–13 lead into the second period.
- The second quarter proved pivotal as Methodist struggled to find offensive rhythm, committing more turnovers than field goal attempts early in the frame. Pfeiffer capitalized with a 13–4 run to stretch the lead to 32–20. Elise Robbins and Korin Gladden each chipped in with baskets to steady the Monarchs, and a deep three-pointer from Kayleen Grullon trimmed the deficit to 36–27 heading into halftime.
- Pfeiffer opened the third quarter on a 6–2 run to push the margin back to double digits, 42–29. Methodist answered with a 6–2 spurt of its own, but the Falcons closed the quarter strong with five straight points to take a 49–35 lead into the final frame.
- The Monarchs refused to fold. Methodist began the fourth quarter on an 8–2 run, cutting into the deficit and building momentum. Pfeiffer briefly regained a double-digit advantage with a 6–2 stretch, making it 57–45 with four minutes remaining. Undeterred, Methodist responded with eight unanswered points to pull within four, 57–53, but the Monarchs were unable to convert in the final possessions as the Falcons held on for the win.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- Richardson led Methodist with 22 points, marking her third consecutive 20-point performance.
- Grullon filled the stat sheet with 12 points, five rebounds, five steals, four assists, and three blocks in an all-around effort.
- Statistically, the teams were nearly even. Both sides recorded 36 points in the paint and 20 points off turnovers. Methodist held a slight edge in rebounds, 33–32, and outscored Pfeiffer 12–11 in bench points.
UP NEXT
Methodist remains on the road Saturday, February 14, traveling to Meredith College for a 2 PM USA South tipoff.
