Methodist Spoils Second Half Rally

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- The Virginia Wesleyan College women's basketball team made a second half rally to get within one point of Methodist University, but ultimately fell 66-53 in non-conference action Friday night.

The Marlins trailed 31-24 entering intermission after allowing a Sydney Bryan layup as time expired. VWC would not allow that momentum to carry over to the early minutes of the second half as the defense held the Monarchs scoreless for the first 2:18 of the third quarter. The Marlins only managed two points of their own though as Methodist capitalized on several chances midway through the quarter.

A traditional three-point play by Bryan put the Monarchs up 48-35 with 2:32 left in the third quarter, sparking a Marlin rally on the other end.

Jayla Harris started the charge with a jumper off a Naeemah Morris assist. Following some stout full-court pressure by VWC, frustration set in resulting in a technical for Methodist head coach DeeDee Jarman. Harris knocked down both attempts before converting two more on the next possession to make it 48-41 Methodist.

Kelly Jones and Crystal Strother both scored from the field as the quarter waned to a close while the Monarchs only managed two free throws to lead 50-45 heading into the fourth.

Harris scored immediately as the fourth quarter started to set up the VWC press again. Virginia Wesleyan forced the turnover in the backcourt where Strother came away with the steal and easy layup, cutting the lead to 50-49 with 9:38 to play.

Methodist called a timeout to regroup, using the break to start a run of its own. The Monarchs went on an 11-0 run over the next eight minutes to go ahead 64-49 with 1:49 left to finish off the game. Five different Monarchs scored in the spurt.

Jasmine Canady led Methodist (5-2) with 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists while Jalisia Campbell finished with 14 points and Alexis Wallace added 12.

Harris paced Virginia Wesleyan with 15 points and seven rebounds as Jones added 14 points and Strother contributed 13 to go with five steals.

Virginia Wesleyan (2-6) hosts Christopher Newport University (5-2) Sunday at 4:30 p.m. It is part of a doubleheader with the No. 12 ranked men's team facing No. 13 Christopher Newport at 2 p.m.