FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - Methodist University grabbed the lead early in the second half and held off Mary Baldwin down the stretch to take a 74-69 victory Saturday afternoon in conference action.

Mary Baldwin led 37-34 at the half, but the Monarchs moved ahead early in the second half and led by as many as eight points. The Methodist lead swung betewn three and six points until a three-point play by Vernon Fraley pulled the Squirrels to within one 70-69 with 1:33 left in the game.

Dante Burden hit a jumper for Methodist tp push the lead to three and, following a Mary Baldwin turnover, Brone Brinson added a bucket for a 74-69 Monarchs' lead with 38 seconds left. The Monarchs missed the front end of two one-and-one free throw situations in the final 30 seconds, but MBU was unable to take advantage as Methodiest held on for the five-point victory.

Quentin Hart paced the Squirrels with 23 points. Tyler Thomas and Fraley each netted 12 points.