FAYETTEVILLE, NC – The William Peace University men's basketball team traveled to Methodist University Wednesday night, where the Pacers dropped another close one in conference, 79-76.

WPU (7-11, 2-5 USAS) trailed by eight with 34 seconds remaining yet somehow had the ball with a chance to tie it on the final possession. A three-pointer from Ryan Emfinger made it 78-73 with only 26 seconds left, and then Nate Strother made it a two-point game moments later after Terry Rogers came up with a steal.

Forced to foul, the Pacers sent Davion Ayabarreno to the free-throw line. He made it 79-76 with his first but missed his second. WPU ended up with two looks from beyond the arc at the end but couldn't put either one of them through.

The Pacers only shot 37.3% (28-of-75) from the field but made up for it on the glass and from beyond the arc. WPU out-rebounded Methodist, 42-35, including 23 offensive boards for 22 second chance points. The Pacers made 11 shots from deep compared to only three for the Monarchs.

Freshman Dakota King was one of three Pacers in double-figures, scoring a season high 21 points to go with five rebounds and an assist. Chris Thomas finished with 11 points, seven rebounds and a steal, while Jalen Vince recorded 10 points, two rebounds, four assists and a steal. Nate Strother registered eight points, four rebounds and a career high six assists. Terry Rogers added seven points, four boards, five assists and a steal in 16 minutes off the bench.

Brandon Monk led the way for Methodist (6-11, 2-4 USAS) with 27 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Davion Ayabarreno had 16 points, five rebounds and an assist. Jackson Whitley did a bit of everything, recording eight points, 13 rebounds, four assists and four blocks.  

The WPU men's basketball team will look to get back on track Sunday afternoon, as they travel for a 3:00 p.m. game against North Carolina Wesleyan.

For the latest news and updates from William Peace University Athletics, please visit: http://gopeacepacers.com/.