Fayetteville, N.C. — The Southern Virginia University men's basketball team dropped a tough road contest, falling 90–87 to the Monarchs of Methodist University after a late second-half surge handed the Knights their second straight one-possession loss.
The first half featured a tightly contested battle with six ties, as neither team could create separation early. Ashton Davis provided an immediate spark off the bench, erupting for 16 of the Knights'18 points during a six-minute scoring stretch. Austin Mitchell kept the momentum rolling after checking in for Davis, scoring six points of his own. A three-pointer from Matthew Hale and a jumper from Tillman Johnson helped Southern Virginia close the half strong, sending the Knights into the break with a 44–34 lead.
Southern Virginia posted similar shooting numbers to the Monarchs in the opening half, but controlled the glass with a 17–10 rebounding advantage, including a 5–2 edge on the offensive boards.
The second half initially belonged to the Knights. DJ Green opened the period with a three-pointer, and Jude Ballstaedt stayed hot, scoring five straight points to extend the lead to 51–36. The backcourt duo of Green and Tillman Johnson continued to dictate the offense as Southern Virginia pushed its advantage to a game-high 64–48.
However, frequent trips to the free-throw line kept Methodist within striking distance. The momentum shifted during a decisive four-minute stretch in which the Monarchs went on a 19–3 run to seize the lead with six minutes remaining.
Davis and Ballstaedt responded, pushing the Knights back in front by three with just over a minute to play, but Methodist closed the game by converting four straight free throws to seal the 90–87 win.
Davis tied his career high with 27 points in just 18 minutes of action, though foul trouble limited his time on the floor. Ballstaedt, Green, Johnson, and Mitchell all finished in double figures for Southern Virginia.
The Knights continue their road trip Saturday, February 14, when they travel to face N.C. Wesleyan at 4:00 p.m.
For all the latest updates on Southern Virginia University men's basketball, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_mbb on Instagram.
