MISENHEIMER, N.C. — Senior
Doug Smith scored a career-high 27 points and Pfeiffer University dominated the paint to pull away for an 89-75 USA South Conference victory over Methodist University on Tuesday night.
Smith was nearly unstoppable inside, shooting 11 of 17 from the field while adding 18 rebounds and a program-record eight blocks as Pfeiffer (9-8, 5-2 USA South) won its fourth straight conference game. The Falcons outscored Methodist 48-34 in the paint and held a decisive 47-30 advantage on the boards.
Clayton Robinson added 20 points, making all eight of his free throws, while
Sean Sucarichi chipped in 14 points and three assists as Pfeiffer shot 47.1% from the floor.
Methodist (8-8, 4-2) was led by Dontavious Pettaway, who finished with 18 points despite four fouls. Tomas Stevens scored 12 and Deuce Rice added nine off the bench, but the Monarchs were unable to keep pace defensively in the second half.
Pfeiffer took control late in the first half behind a surge capped by a Smith dunk in transition, stretching the lead to 40-33 at the break. The Falcons opened the second half with consecutive baskets in the paint, and Smith scored or assisted on four straight possessions to push the lead into double figures.
Methodist pulled within 68-68 on a Stevens layup with 7:06 left, but Pfeiffer responded with an 11-2 run, highlighted by back-to-back dunks from Smith and a pair of Robinson free throws, to regain control.
Pfeiffer sealed the win by converting 11 free throws over the final 3:48 and blocking five shots during Methodist's last nine possessions.
The Falcons finished with nine blocks and 17 assists on 33 made field goals, while holding Methodist to just seven turnovers forced but limiting second-chance opportunities late.
