Rocky Mount, N.C. - The women's basketball team of North Carolina Wesleyan cruised to an 88-73 USA South victory over Methodist University on Thursday night in Everett Gym, knocking down nearly half of their 78 attempts on the night. Five Battling Bishops reached double-figures in the win, led by senior Shanice Goree with 19 points.

Trailing 16-14 midway through the first half, freshman Jordan Cager converted an old-fashioned three-point play to give Wesleyan a 17-16 lead. The Bishops would not trail again, forging an eventual 42-27 lead at the break.

The second half saw NCWC push its lead to as many as 25 when another Cager lay-up made the score 82-57 with less than five minutes to go. The Monarchs managed to pull within 15 at the final buzzer, thanks in part to a 19-of-36 showing at the charity stripe on the night.

Cager complimented Goree with 17 points, while senior Tiffany Bell added 15 of her own. Joining them in double-figures were Kourtney Salisbury and Kenyata Harris with 14 and 11, with Salisbury adding seven assists and Harris nine rebounds.

The Bishops (6-8, 4-4 USA South) continue league play this weekend when they travel to Greensboro and Averett on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.