Raleigh, NC -- William Peace University men's basketball fell to Methodist College 93-73. The Pacers led most of the first half until halftime where Methodist overtook them with a score of 53-40. Methodist continued to lead from that point on until the end of the game. 


THE BASICS

• Final score: William Peace 73, Methodist 93
• Records: William Peace 1-2, Methodist 1-1
• Location: Raleigh, NC

HOW IT HAPPENED  

• Methodist won the jump ball at the beginning of the game, starting the game off on the offensive. The Monarchs took an early lead of 4-0 in the first seconds of the match, but John Burwell helped to even the playing field with two shots in the paint. The Pacers came back with the help of John Burwell and Tyler Parton to pass Methodist, but quickly lost their lead. Tyler Parton drove under the net and tied the game at 14-14. This led the Pacers to a run where they eventually pulled ahead 20-15.
• The Pacer lead didn't last long as Methodist quickly regained their ground and passed the Pacers, much in part due to turnovers in the first half. Methodist tied up the game with 24-24, continuing to hold their lead until the end of the game. A layup by Jalen Owens would shorten Methodist's lead to 5. Heading into halftime, Methodist would lead 50-43.
• At the start of the second half Jalen Owens' shot from behind the arc would bring the score to 55-43. Methodist's Clayton Coe grabbed a foul under the basket, pushing Methodist's lead even farther. Smith Gupton made a 3-pointer at the 17 minute mark, but the Monarchs continued to push ahead. Darius Jackson made a strong layup and pushed the Pacers forward, but immediately after Garren Dearman from Methodist would net a 3-pointer to keep the Monarchs in the lead.
• Methodist gained more traction towards the end of the second half to lead by 16 points, later increasing the lead to 20 points with the help of Chris George. The Pacers continued to fight but ultimately lost to Methodist, the final score coming to 93-73.

PACER TOP PERFORMERS

• John Burwell led the Pacers as he recorded a double-double with 22 points and 14 rebounds.
• Jalen Owens recorded 17 points, while Tyler Parton added 12.

FOR THE FOES

• Garren Dearman led Methodist with a total of 19 points and 14 assist to notch a double-double.
• Dante Burden added 18 points while DeShields-Beard added 14.

 
STATS OF THE GAME

• WPU shot a total at 36.2% from the field while Methodist shot at 52.8%.
• WPU had a total of 33 rebounds in comparison to Methodist's 48.

NEXT GAME
The Pacers will have a rematch against Methodist University as they travel to Fayetteville, NC on January 24 at 2PM.

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