League-Leading Pioneers Win Sixth Straight, Down Cape Fear

Freshman Ronell Crockett scored a career high 27 points and Jalen Nesbitt scored 21 points and pulled down a team high 6 rebounds to lift the Spartanburg Methodist men's basketball team to a 77 to 65 Region X win past Cape Fear on Saturday afternoon at Bridges Arena. Crockett and Nesbitt were a combined 16 of 22 from two, 3 of 3 from three and 7 of 11 from the free throw line.

The win marks the first time that the Pioneers have beaten Cape Fear since the 2007-2008 season. Spartanburg Methodist (18-4, 5-1 Region X) improves to 8-2 at Bridges Arena en route to claiming its 10th victory in the last 11 outings.

"We have been very good defensively the past several games", said head coach Jeff Brookman. "After the first couple minutes I thought we did a good job of locating Andrews (top scorer in Region X, 20 PPG). He is an explosive offensive player, but I thought we were consistent with contesting his shots and that is all that you can ask.

Sophomore phenom Mario Pendarvis was slowed by foul trouble early in the first half and never got into his usual flow. He ended the game with just four points and four rebounds.

"I am just very proud of all my guys", stated Brookman. We had guys step up and hit big shots and free throws at crucial points in the game. Then we got the stops we needed to close out the game"

The Pioneers return to action on Tuesday when they travel to Aiken, SC to take on second place Aiken Tech (4-2 Region X).