WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Salem basketball team heads into its final game before the Christmas break on Wednesday, December 18, when the Spirits trek to Fayetteville, N.C., to square off against Methodist at 5:30 p.m.

Salem, which last took the court against Hollins on December 10, faces the USA South rival Monarchs after completing first semester exams. The Spirits (0-7, 0-3 USA South) are looking to halt a 16-game losing streak, which dates back to a Jan. 19, 2019 against William Peace, and deliver first-year head coach Quntashea Lewis the first win in her collegiate coaching career. Salem's last victory came against the Monarchs (78-66) on Jan. 16, 2019.

First year guard Alize Brooks tops the Salem lineup in scoring with 101 points (14.4 points per game), hitting 34-of-103 from the floor, 13-for-39 from 3-point range and 20-of-46 at the free throw line. She has also come through with 17 assists and 13 steals along the way. Teammate Sydney Bowen, who has knocked down 35-of-99 from the floor and 14-of-40 at the 3-point line is second in scoring with 91 points.

The tandem of Lauren Privette and Aubrey Slaughter have established presence in the paint for the Spirits. Privette leads the way with 74 rebounds (50 defensive), along with 11 blocks, while Slaughter has pulled down 59 rebounds (19 offensive) over the course of the first seven games. Slaughter has also been active on defense with eight steals.

Methodist enters the contest with a 1-8 overall mark, including an 0-2 record in USA South Conference action. The two league setbacks came to William Peace (73-56) and N.C. Wesleyan (93-44) earlier this month.

The Monarchs are led individually by the combination of Tyzarea Alexander (117 points) and Kadie Snipes (87) on offense. Alexander, hitting 42.4 percent from the floor, has been successful on 42-of-99 field goal attempts as well as 29-of-49 free throws, while grabbing a team-best 63 rebounds (31 offensive) in the process. Snipes is a weapon for the Methodist offense from 3-point range, hitting 21-of-67 (.313 percentage) along with 36 rebounds and six steals.

Another prevalent part of the Methodist lineup, Destiny Hardin, has grabbed 55 rebounds (42 defensive) while converting 19 blocked shots.

For more information on Salem basketball check out www.salemspirits.com.