RALEIGH, N.C. - Visiting Methdist University held on for a 68-59 win over the Meredith Avenging Angels in Saturday's hard fought USA South pairing. A trio of layups, two from point guard McKenzi Edwards, one from freshman Kim Hinton and all assisted by Keyanka Bailey, pulled Meredith to within four with just 4:34 remaining in regulation. But MU's T.T. Taylor knocked down four key free throws to end the run and lead the Monarchs to victory.

The win moved Methodist (10-5, 5-3 USA South) up in league standings to a share of fourth place, and Meredith fell to 5-9 overall and just 2-6 in conference play.

MU took quick control in the first half.  The visitors extended their advantage to 14 points at 8:26 on an 18-4 run thanks in part to three consecutive three-pointers from Emily Huneycutt.

Hinton scored on her own rebound to start a 10-0 run pulling the Avenging Angels to within four over the next two minutes of action.

With teammates Chandler Christensen and Courtney Woods netting 6-6 from the free throw line, Taylor found the lane twice more to drive the Monarch lead back to 14 with just two minutes remaining in the period.

Bailey and Edwards fought for three more buckets before the break to take their team into the locker room down by just 10 at the half.

Edwards led the offensive efforts after the break, scoring 13-points in a perfect 6-6 from the floor, to help the Avenging Angels chip away at the Methodist lead. Rah'nika Jones capped off a 13-7 run which pulled Meredith to within four at 13:09.

The teams were even during the next 7:37 before Taylor doubled the lead from the stripe to keep the Monarchs just out of reach.

Edwards finished with a game-high 17 points, adding four assists and eight rebounds. Bailey posted the game's only double-double, her fourth career, with 10 points and 10 boards. Danielle Lee and Bryana Holmes added eight apiece with Lee grabbing as many rebounds. Jones dropped in seven and Laquetta Hairston picked up three steals in her 18 minutes off the bench.

Five Monarchs finished in double figures with Taylor and Christina Schrader posting 14 apiece. Taylor added a team-high eight rebounds and Iesha Hayes dished out a game-high nine assists.

The Avenging Angels host Greensboro College Wednesday, January 23, in a 7 p.m. conference matchup.