FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Brevard College women's basketball team (8-3, 3-1 USA South) battled back from as many as 13 down, but came up just short in a 54-51 defeat to Methodist University (4-5, 2-1 USAS) at the Riddle Center in Fayetteville, North Carolina. 

Josie Hester led the way for Brevard, scoring 15 points with five made field goals including four 3-pointers. Makenna Parkins scored 11 with nine boards, while Jada Petty-Wilkins added 10 points. Lexi Shepard distributed a team-high five assists as well. 

Kiley Hicks paced the Monarchs with 13 points, as eight different Methodist players found the scoring column. Hill and Aneesa Irizarry each totaled eight rebounds apiece. 

Methodist was able to outpace Brevard in the paint 36-24, and the Monarchs held a 42-34 rebounding edge. Each side committed 18 turnovers, with the Tornados totaling 12 steals. Hester, Petty-Wilkins, and Shepard each totaled three steals apiece. 

The first half was tight both ways, with Methodist narrowly gaining a 23-21 advantage at the intermission. The Monarchs were able to open up an 11-point cushion thanks to a 21-12 third, and extended that margin all the way out to 13 points at the 8:41 mark in the fourth quarter. BC was able to cut the deficit down to four after a Petty-Wilkins bucket and Hester free throw at the 2:39 mark. Hicks nailed a jumper at 1:05 that pushed the lead back to six, but Hester drilled a 3-pointer that brought Brevard within one possession late. The Monarchs held the Tornados off in the final moments, securing the conference win. 

Brevard is in exhibition action on Monday, December 30 at 4:30 p.m. against UNC Asheville at Kimmel Arena in Asheville, North Carolina. 

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-BC-