MISENHEIMER, N.C. — Justin Gaten tied his career best by scoring 20 points for Pfeiffer as they used a dominant second half to pull away from Methodist 93–72 in the semifinals of the USA South Tournametnon Thursday night in front of a vocal crowd at Merner Gym.

Pfeiffer (17-8) shot 52 percent from the field and knocked down 10 3-pointers, including five from Gaten, who finished a perfect 6-for-6 inside the arc and added three assists. Sean Sucarichi posted 14 points and seven rebounds, while Doug Smith delivered a strong two-way performance with 11 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three blocks.

The Falcons led 45–39 at halftime, then broke the game open early in the second half with a 13–3 run fueled by Smith's interior scoring and Sucarichi's finishing at the rim. Pfeiffer outrebounded Methodist 45–24 and turned 14 offensive boards into 10 second-chance points.

Pfeiffer's bench added 37 points, highlighted by Elijah Jeffreys' 10 and Drake Stewart's nine. Stewart also contributed seven rebounds and three assists.

Methodist (11-15) was paced by KJ Brooks, who scored a team-high 16 points on 7-of-15 shooting. O'Montae Daniels added 11 points and five rebounds, while Tomas Stevens and Brian Bullock each chipped in 10.

The Monarchs shot 43 percent but struggled to slow Pfeiffer's balance, with five Falcons scoring at least nine points. Pfeiffer held Methodist to just one made 3-pointer after halftime and forced 17 fouls.

Pfeiffer finished 15-of-17 at the foul line, while Methodist went 19-of-30.

The Falcons will look to capture their second straight USA South Tournament Title on Saturday, Feb. 28 against second-seeded N.C. Wesleyan. 

Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. in Merner Gym on the Pfeiffer campus