FAYETTEVILLE, NC – Christopher Newport's women's basketball squad held on to defeat Methodist 60-58 in the final regular season game of the year Saturday.

 

The Captains won the game in the final 20 seconds when Colandra Rollins threw an in-bounds pass three-quarters of the court and Chelsie Schweers ran it down and made the lay-up on the fast break that put CNU ahead, 60-58.

 

After a Methodist timeout, the Monarchs in-bounded the ball and had two chances to send the game into overtime. Dezzire Gilliard had the best look as she got a shot off just before the buzzer that hit off the backboard and around the rim and out.

 

Christopher Newport led by as many as 11 points in the first half. CNU led 28-17 with 2:53 left but MU responded by going on a 9-2 run to cut the lead to four, 30-26, at the break.

 

In the second half, the Captains led for the majority of the time. Methodist's only lead came with 1:01 left in the game on Kristen Whitehurts' lay-up that put the Monarchs ahead, 57-56. Rollins was fouled on the ensuing CNU possession and made both free throws to put her team ahead by one.

 

Gilliard was fouled with 23 seconds left and went to the line where she made one of two, tying the score at 58, and setting up the game-winner by Schweers.

 

The Monarchs shot 19-of-56 (34%) from the field, 6-of-15 (40%) from behind the arc and 14-of-17 (82%) from the line. Amanda Underwood led MU with 14 points off the bench. Kristen Whitehurst scored 12, also off the bench. Gilliard also finished with 12.

 

Christopher Newport shot 24-of-51 (47%) from the floor, 3-of-9 (33%) from long range and 9-of-13 (69%) from the charity stripe. Schweers led CNU with 22 points and four assists. Rollins added 21 points, 11 rebounds and four steals.

 

Methodist falls to 18-7 overall and 14-4 in the USA South. CNU is now 19-6 on the year and 14-4 in conference action. Christopher Newport is currently locked in a three-way tie for second place. The complete bracket will be released later this evening by the USA South.

 

The Captains are, however, guaranteed a home USA South quarterfinal game that will be played Tuesday evening. Time and opponent will be announced later this evening.