ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. Methodist women's basketball dropped a 64–53 USA South road contest to N.C. Wesleyan on Tuesday evening inside Everett Gymnasium.
THE ESSENTIALS
Final score: N.C. Wesleyan def. Methodist, 51–46
Records: Methodist 8-16 (7-10 USA South), N.C. Wesleyan 14-9 (12-5 USA South)
Location: Everett Gymnasium; Rocky Mount, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Methodist and N.C. Wesleyan battled evenly through the opening quarter, with neither side able to create separation. The Monarchs used transition opportunities and interior scoring from Jada Richardson and Kayleen Grullon to keep pace, and a late jumper by Korin Gladden tied the contest at 13–13 after one.
- The Battling Bishops seized momentum in the second quarter. After trading baskets early, N.C. Wesleyan went on a decisive run fueled by points off turnovers and second-chance opportunities. Methodist struggled to take care of the ball during the stretch, committing 31 turnovers in the contest, and the Bishops capitalized to build a 32–22 halftime advantage.
- Coming out of the break, the Monarchs showed resilience. Richardson continued to be a force inside, scoring in the paint and converting at the free-throw line as Methodist chipped away at the deficit. A late bucket by Giavonna Dunlap trimmed the margin to 48–38 entering the fourth quarter.
- Methodist made one final push in the closing period. A fast-break layup and free throw from Grullon cut the lead to five, 43–48, early in the quarter. However, N.C. Wesleyan answered with a scoring surge midway through the frame to stretch the lead back to double digits. The Monarchs were unable to close the gap further as the Bishops secured the 64–53 victory.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- Richardson led all scorers with 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting while adding 11 rebounds for a double-double.
- Grullon added 10 points, while Korin Gladden recorded 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals.
- Methodist shot 38.0 percent from the field and held N.C. Wesleyan to 32.8 percent shooting.
UP NEXT
Methodist returns home following a four-game road stand on Saturday, February 21, hosting William Peace University. Tipoff is set for 2 PM.
