WINCHESTER, Va. - It took an extra five minutes, but Shenandoah University outlasted visiting Methodist Sunday to earn an 80-72 USA South Conference victory.

Shenandoah (9-7 overall, 5-2 USA South) and Methodist (9-8, 5-2) found themselves tied at both the end of the first and second halves, so the Hornets went into overtime for the first time this season.

The Monarchs forced the extra session by outscoring their hosts 7-1 in the final 1:35 of regulation. Shenandoah missed three field goals and one free throw during this span; the Hornets only point in the waning moments was scored by James Brodie (Stafford, Va./North Stafford) on a free throw with 1:12 left.

Methodist tied the game when Eddie Lamar hit a jumper with 53 seconds remaining and then Sam Porter converted both free throws at the nine second mark. Shenandoah's Kenneth Purnell (Baltimore, Md./Lake Clifton) had a chance to win it in regulation, but his three-pointer as time expired when off the front rim.

The Hornets' Chris Rhone (Washington, D.C./Northwestern), who had scored just five points in the first 40 minutes, took over as the extra session began. Rhone scored five of his team's first seven points in OT on a three-pointer and a layup, and SU never trailed again.

MC never got closer than two points the rest of the way as Shenandoah pulled away to its fourth straight victory. The win also snaps a five-game Methodist winning streak.

This win, coupled with Christopher Newport's loss to Greensboro, leaves SU and MC tied for second in the league with 5-2 records. GC is one-half game ahead with a 6-1 mark.

Purnell led with a game high 22 while Rhone had 14 and Chad Brashears (Hagerstown, Md./St. Maria Goretti) added 13. Porter had 22 and Lamar 19 for the Monarchs.

A complete box score and play by play can be found at http://www.su.edu/athletics/mb/200304/020104.htm

Shenandoah hosts Christopher Newport University Wednesday night in a USA South Conference contest. Game time is 7:30.