FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. The Methodist University men's basketball team battled through nine lead changes and five ties but could not withstand a dominant second-half performance from North Carolina Wesleyan University, falling 82–67 inside the March F. Riddle Center in USA South action.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: N.C. Wesleyan def. Methodist, 82–67
Records: Methodist 10–13 (6–7 USA South), N.C. Wesleyan 18–6 (10–3 USA South)
Location: March F. Riddle Center; Fayetteville, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The opening half featured a tightly contested battle, with both teams trading momentum throughout the first 20 minutes. Methodist found early offense from Brian Bullock and Dontavious Pettaway, while Deejayy Cox and Rashod Smith answered for the Battling Bishops on the other end.
- After falling behind by six early, the Monarchs settled in behind timely shooting and interior play. A three-pointer from O'Montae Daniels and transition buckets from Bullock helped Methodist briefly grab the lead midway through the half. The teams exchanged runs down the stretch, but N.C. Wesleyan carried a slim 35–31 advantage into the locker room.
- The difference came after the break.
- N.C. Wesleyan shot a blistering 63.3 percent from the field in the second half and went a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line, steadily building separation. Justin Burden and Markquan Gilbert combined to anchor the visitors offensively, attacking the paint and finishing efficiently around the rim. The Bishops totaled 44 points in the paint for the game.
- Methodist remained within striking distance midway through the second half behind Bullock's steady scoring and Pettaway's aggressive drives. A bucket by KJ Brooks helped trim the deficit to single digits, but a decisive run by the Bishops pushed the margin back to double figures with under eight minutes to play.
- Despite forcing 12 turnovers and matching N.C. Wesleyan with 13 points off giveaways, the Monarchs could not overcome the visitors' efficiency. Methodist shot 40 percent from the field compared to the Bishops' 58.3 percent, a disparity that proved decisive down the stretch.
MORE TO IT
- Brooks led Methodist with 16 points and six rebounds.
- Pettaway contributed 11 points, while Bullock filled the stat sheet with 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals.
UP NEXT
Methodist will wrap up its regular season on Saturday, February 21, by traveling to Greensboro College for a 4 PM conference clash.
