Men's Basketball | 12/3/2008 8:52:09 PM

EMORY, Va. - The Methodist Monarchs' second half comeback fell short as Emory & Henry prevailed 87-78 Tuesday night.

Emory & Henry (5-3) took the 19-8 lead with 12:37 to go in the first half before the Monarchs (2-5) closed the lead to seven on a field goal from senior #A.B. Lehmann#.  The Wasps came back and extended their lead to 16 points, but the Monarchs finished the first half on an 11-4 rally to trail by nine at halftime.

Emory & Henry maintained control of the game early in the second half and led 66-56 with 8:47 remaining in the game.  A few minutes later and freshman Mark Jernigan scored back-to-back field goals after a steal from junior Tyler Sigman to move Methodist within two points.  Sophomore Travis Fulp tied the game at 69 with a 3-pointer, but the Wasps responded with a field goal at the other end.  Senior Alex Meadows was fouled on a 3-point attempt and converted all three free throws to give Methodist the 72-71 lead.  Emory & Henry regained the lead and held the 83-76 advantage when Sigman hit a field goal to close the gap to five with 53 seconds to play.  Methodist sent the Wasps to the free throw line and Emory & Henry scored the next four points while the Monarchs came up empty.  The Wasps finished with the 87-78 win.

Jernigan led Methodist with 23 points while Sigman finished with 19.  Lehmann had 12 points while sophomore Marcus Connor finished with the double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

The Monarchs will travel to the Briggs Elliott December Classic Dec. 14-15 at Randolph-Macon before breaking for the holidays.

Box Score