WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Salem basketball team completes its brief two-game homestand on Tuesday, Jan. 28, when the Spirits host Methodist at Varsity Gym at 7 p.m.
Salem (0-17, 0-10 USA South) is looking to avenge a previous setback to the Monarchs, 63-52, which took place on December 18. In that game, Methodist took advantage of a 19-point third quarter, separating itself from the Spirits by nine points in the process, which helped the Monarchs come away with the 11-point victory in Fayetteville, N.C.
Sophomore guard Sydney Bowen sits seven points away from scoring 200 points on the season, hitting 72-of-214 (33.6%) from the floor and 28-of-89 (31.5%) from 3-point range on the season. First year Alize Brooks is second in scoring with 169 points, knocking down 60-of-195 (30.8%) from the floor and 35-of-66 (53%) at the charity stripe.
Teammates Lauren Privette and Aubrey Slaughter lead the way for Salem in rebounding with 143 and 136, respectively. Privette tops the team in offensive boards (54), while Slaughter has contributed a team-best 91 defensive rebounds. Slaughter is responsible for Salem's three double-double outings this season, which came against Pfeiffer (12 pts. / 11 rebs.), Mary Baldwin (12 pts. / 12 rebs.) and again against Mary Baldwin (15 pts. / 10 rebs.) on Jan. 18.
Methodist (2-16, 1-9 USA South) is looking to halt a nine-game losing streak that dates back to its 11-point win over the Spirits in mid-December. The Monarchs are 1-7 on the road this season with the lone victory coming at Brevard (61-47) on Nov. 17.
Tyzarea Alexander is one of four Monarchs with at least 100 points on the season, leading the unit with 202 by virtue of hitting 72-of-188 (38.3%) field goals and 52-of-83 (62.7%) at the free throw line. She is followed in scoring by Kadie Snipes (155), Destiny Hardin (111) and Zytipha Joines (108).
In addition to leading Methodist in scoring, Alexander leads the team in rebounding with 131 boards (67 defensive). Hardin, with 103 total rebounds on the season, pulling down 77 on the defensive glass.
For more information on Salem basketball check out www.salemspirits.com.