Strong Defense Lifts Greensboro College Men’s Basketball Pride Over Methodist 69-66

GREENSBORO, NC—The Greensboro College Pride men’s basketball team defeated Methodist University at home Wednesday night by a 69-66 score.

The Pride fell behind early in the game by a six point deficit, however Greensboro responded with a 14-2 run to go out in front 14-10 with 14:09 showing to play in the first half. Damian Dixon highlighted the run for the Pride scoring six of his eight first half points, while Devan Gregory chipped in with four points. After the run ended for Greensboro, and continued building on to their lead pushing it out to their largest lead of the half at 28-17 just over halfway through the period.

The Monarchs did not go away using an 11-0 run of their own tying the game at 28-28 with 7:36 on the clock. Greensboro regained the lead quickly when Raheem Martin put the ball in off the glass giving the Pride the two point lead. Down the final stretch of the half, Tracy Jester hit a long three to send Greensboro into the intermission up four at 40-36.

The Pride pushed their lead out to six right after the start of the second period, but Methodist was able to once again tie the game at 45-45 with just under five minutes ticking off the clock. With 12:25 left to play in the final period, Greensboro was able to pull out to their second 11 point lead of the night at 64-53. During the stretch for the Pride, five different players were able to find the scoring column. Methodist once again was able to cut into the Greensboro lead pulling to within four at 64-60, but was not able to get any closer as the Pride was able to hold on down the stretch for the 69-66 victory.

Greensboro College had four players score in double digits, with Devan Gregory leading the way with 20 points to go along with seven rebounds. Tracy Jester added 13 points for the Pride, while Raheem Martin chipped in 10 points. The Pride was out rebounded in the game by a 45-42 margin, but Jermaine Bates was able to pull down a team high 11 boards on the evening. The Pride forced 20 Monarchs miscues, resulting in 17 points. Greensboro also had 19 assists on the day with Will Griffin and Martin leading the way with four apiece.

With the win, Greensboro moves to 8-12 overall on the season and 4-6 in USA South Conference play. The Pride will look to build on their two game conference win streak when they welcome William Peace to Hanes Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon. This will be the first time in school history these two teams will meet up on the men’s side of action. The tip for the game is set for 4:00 pm. For the latest on Greensboro College men’s basketball, and all the rest of Pride athletics continue to follow www.greensborocollegesports.com.

                                   1st  2nd  Final
   Methodist (7-13, 5-5 USAS)      36   30    66
   Greensboro (8-12, 4-6 USAS)     40   29    69