For immediate release – 12/3/2013 - #148
Methodist Charges Back to Down Lynchburg Women's Hoops, 64-61

FAYETTEVILLE, NC—Methodist University scored the final four points of Tuesday's contest to down Lynchburg College 64-61 in non-conference women's basketball action.

The Hornets jumped out to a 31-23 lead late in the first half thanks to an 11-1 run that started via a Sammi Goldsmith free throw with three minutes remaining.

The sophomore guard then hit a 3-pointer to give Lynchburg a 24-22 lead. A layup by Katie Reeves, a jumper from Goldsmith, and a three by Sarah Toliver rounded out the scoring burst with 2:07 remaining.

Lynchburg continued to pull away to start the second half as Caleigh Patterson finished a pair of layups to net the Hornets a 35-25 advantage. A Chaney Forbush 3-pointer extended the lead to 38-25 with 18 minutes left to play.

The Monarchs went on a 14-7 run after the Forbush three, cutting the lead to six, 45-39, on a Wylonda Surles free throw with 11:53 to play.

Methodist managed to keep it close the remainder of the way, never trailing by more than 10 points. The home team made it a two-point game with 5:37 left when Chandler Christensen managed to get off a successful layup.

Reeves extended the lead back to four, 55-51, on Lynchburg's next possession, but Methodist would close the game on a 13-6 run to squeak out the win.

Goldsmith led the Hornets with 15 points while tying for the team-lead with three assists. Shannon Allan collected her first double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 boards. Forbush added 12 points while Patterson hauled in a season-high nine rebounds.

Maya Banks had a game-high 16 points for Methodist (4-1) while Jackie Lyles contributed 11 and Ayanna Pegues, 10.

Lynchburg (2-4/1-1) returns home for an Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) matchup with Bridgewater College (2-3/1-1) Friday at 7 p.m.