BREVARD, N.C. The Methodist men's basketball team put together a spirited effort on the road Saturday afternoon, but a strong shooting performance by Brevard College proved to be the difference as the Monarchs dropped an 85–74 USA South contest inside Boshamer Gymnasium.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Brevard def. Methodist, 85–74
Records: Methodist 9–11 (5–5 USA South), Brevard 9–12 (2–8 USA South)
Location: Boshamer Gymnasium; Brevard, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Brevard came out firing to open the contest, knocking down four three-pointers in the opening five minutes to build early momentum. The Tornados used their perimeter shooting and quick ball movement to jump ahead, forcing Methodist to play from behind in the early stages.
- Despite the early barrage, the Monarchs stayed composed and worked to establish their presence in the paint. Tre' Williams attacked the rim with confidence, while Dontavious Pettaway and KJ Brooks provided steady scoring to keep Methodist within reach. A short Monarch run midway through the half trimmed the deficit, but Brevard responded with another flurry from beyond the arc to reassert control.
- As the first half wore on, Methodist continued to battle on both ends of the floor, generating second-chance opportunities and limiting Brevard's transition game. Still, the Tornados capitalized on open looks from three-point range and carried a 46–32 advantage into halftime.
- The Monarchs opened the second half with urgency, stringing together defensive stops and turning them into points. Williams, Pettaway, and Brooks combined to spark a run that cut the deficit to single digits, forcing Brevard to slow the tempo and regroup.
- Methodist shot efficiently in the second half, finishing above 50 percent from the field after the break, and repeatedly found success attacking the basket. Each time the Monarchs appeared poised to fully swing the momentum, however, Brevard answered with timely three-pointers or second-chance buckets to keep the Monarchs at bay.
- In the final minutes, Methodist continued to fight, but Brevard's consistency at the free-throw line and ability to knock down its perimeter looks allowed the Tornados to close out the contest and secure the home victory.
MORE TO IT
- Williams led the Monarchs with 21 points, shooting 9-for-15 from the floor.
- Brooks followed with 16 points, adding six rebounds, while Pettaway posted a double-double, finishing with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
- Methodist scored 50 points in the paint and outscored Brevard 42–39 in the second half.
- Brevard's 12 made three-pointers were a key factor in the outcome.
UP NEXT
Methodist returns to Fayetteville for its final three home games of the regular season, starting on Wednesday, February 11. The Monarchs welcome the Knights of Southern Virginia University for a 5 PM tip.
