FAYETTEVILLE, NC – Christopher Newport's women's basketball team lost a heartbreaking 62-57 decision to Methodist on a three-point shot with 4.4 seconds left Sunday afternoon in USA South play.

The Captains trailed by six after two Monarch free throws with 1:30 to play in the game. Jerlisa Bowser answered on the next possession when she went strong to the basket, made the lay-up, and was fouled with 1:03 to go. She made the ensuing free throw which cut the lead to three, 57-54.

After a missed Methodist jump shot, and a CNU time out, the Captains drew up a play and executed it as Chelsie Schweers drained a three-pointer from the top of the key with 24 seconds left that tied the score. Just 20 seconds later, Zan Messer answered with a three-pointer of her own to put Methodist on top by three with 4.4 seconds left.

Christopher Newport inbounded it and the pass was intercepted and a foul was called. Dezzire Gilliard drained both for the final margin.

CNU scored the first bucket of the game almost one minute in and Methodist scored seven straight to lead by five. The Captains did not lead again until 8:38 left in the game on Brandy Thomas' lay-up that put CNU up, 44-43.

Methodist shot 20-of-49 (41%) from the field, 3-of-13 (23%) from behind the arc and 19-of-24 (79%) from the charity stripe. Gilliard led the way with 19 points and 14 rebounds. Dawn Sanderson added 10.

The Captains finished 24-of-58 (41%) from the field, 1-of-4 (25%) from long range and 8-of-9 (89%) from the free throw line. Jessica Moore paced CNU with 14 points. Jerlisa Bowser and Alysa Kerr both had 10.

MU improves to 11-6 overall and 6-4 in USA South play. CNU falls to 12-5 overall and 7-3 in conference action. Christopher Newport returns to the hard-court on Wednesday when they host Shenandoah at 5:30 pm.

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