BUENA VISTA, Va. Seventh-seeded Methodist traveled to take on second-seeded Southern Virginia on Tuesday night in the opening round of the 2026 USA South Women's Basketball Tournament. Despite a competitive start, the Monarchs were unable to keep pace with the Knights down the stretch, falling 71–44 inside Knight Arena.
THE ESSENTIALS
Final score: Southern Virginia def. Methodist, 71–44
Records: Methodist 8-18, Southern Virginia 19-7
Location: Knight Arena; Buena Vista, Virginia
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Methodist opened the contest with strong energy, as Kayleen Grullon scored the game's first basket to give the Monarchs an early edge. The teams traded buckets throughout a competitive first quarter, with Taylor Watford converting a three-point play to keep the score tied late. Southern Virginia used free throws in the closing seconds to take a narrow 11–9 lead into the second.
- The Knights created separation in the second quarter, opening on a 6–0 run fueled by transition opportunities and pressure defense. Methodist answered behind a pair of free throws from Giavonna Dunlap and a strong interior play from Jada Richardson to trim the deficit to seven, but Southern Virginia closed the half on a 10–1 surge to carry a 35–22 advantage into the break.
- Southern Virginia continued to build momentum in the third quarter, knocking down multiple three-pointers and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities. Despite baskets inside from Watford and Richardson, the Knights outscored Methodist 18–8 in the period to extend their lead to 53–30 heading into the final 10 minutes.
- In the fourth, Southern Virginia maintained control, continuing to convert in transition and limit the Monarchs' offensive rhythm. Methodist battled until the final horn, with Grullon and Korin Gladden adding late scores, but the early second-half deficit proved too much to overcome as the Knights secured the victory.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- Grullon led the Monarchs with 11 points.
- Watford added nine points off the bench.
- Gladden contributed eight points and three assists.
- Richardson pulled down a team-high eight rebounds.
UP NEXT
Methodist's 2025-26 season comes to end on Tuesday.
