FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. Methodist women's basketball closed out the regular season Saturday afternoon inside the March F. Riddle Center, but a late surge by William Peace spoiled the celebration as the Pacers rallied for a 51–49 USA South victory.
Prior to tipoff, seniors
Jehari Jacobs and
Eva McRae were honored for their contributions to the program in a Senior Day ceremony.
THE ESSENTIALS
Final score: William Peace def. Methodist, 51–49
Records: Methodist 8-17 (7-11 USA South), William Peace 15-10 (12-6 USA South)
Location: March F. Riddle Center; Fayetteville, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- William Peace opened the scoring at the free-throw line, but Methodist quickly settled in offensively. After falling behind 8–2, Kayleen Grullon and Korin Gladden each scored during a key stretch to even the contest at 12–12. Late free throws from Grullon and a strong finish in the paint by Elise Robbins in the closing seconds gave Methodist an 18–16 edge after one. The Monarchs shot an efficient 57 percent (8-of-14) in the quarter.
- The second period featured multiple lead changes early before Methodist seized control midway through the frame. Gladden attacked the paint for consecutive baskets, and Richardson converted inside to push the lead to four. Grullon sparked the decisive run, scoring on a driving layup and knocking down free throws to stretch the advantage to as many as eight points. Despite a late three-pointer by William Peace, the Monarchs maintained composure and carried a 34–30 lead into halftime
- Coming out of the break, the Monarchs delivered their strongest defensive stretch of the afternoon. Methodist limited William Peace to just six points on 3-of-16 shooting in the third quarter. Jacobs anchored the defense with active hands and strong rim protection, while also finishing through contact offensively. Although Alayna Randolph briefly trimmed the deficit for the Pacers, Methodist answered each challenge. A late interior basket extended the lead to 47–36 — the largest of the game — heading into the final 10 minutes.
- The momentum shifted in the fourth.
- Methodist struggled offensively, managing just one field goal in the quarter as William Peace increased its defensive pressure. The Pacers capitalized on turnovers and second-chance opportunities, methodically chipping away at the deficit. A late push set up the decisive moment with 33 seconds remaining, when William Peace converted a go-ahead layup to take a 50–49 lead — its first advantage since the opening quarter.
- After a defensive stop, the Pacers added a free throw with 21 seconds left to make it 51–49. Methodist had one final possession, but a contested jumper at the buzzer did not fall, sealing the narrow defeat.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
UP NEXT
Methodist now turns its attention to postseason play in the USA South Women's Basketball Tournament. The Monarchs will travel to face Southern Virginia University in the first round on Tuesday, February 24, with tipoff scheduled for 5:30 PM.
