FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - Host Methodist University assured itself of a home game at next week's USA South Conference women's basketball Tournament with a 47-40 win over Shenandoah Friday night.

Methodist (15-9, 11-6 USA South) now knows it will finish no worse than tied for fourth in the regular season and is assured of playing at home in the quarterfinal round.

Shenandoah (14-9, 10-7) can tie the Monarchs for fourth with a victory tomorrow at Greensboro and an MU loss to league-leader Christopher Newport, but cannot pass Methodist for fourth because MU swept the Hornets in the regular season.

In a game in which neither team shot 30 percent from the field, Methodist seized control of the game for good with a 9-3 run midway through the second half.

With SU leading 35-34 following a Sierra Edwards free throw at the 10:50 mark, the Monarchs went on that 9-3 run to take a 43-38 lead with 4:34 remaining.

Katherine Flint brought Shenandoah to within three with a fastbreak layup just less than two minutes later, but this would be as close as the visitors would get.

Methodist finished the game by scoring the final four points. Flint appeared to have hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to make the final 47-43, but the shot was later ruled late.

Edwards led the Hornets with 14 points and 12 rebounds off the bench.

Michaela Myers paced MU with 16 points.

Shenandoah held a 50-42 advantage on the glass.

SU completes its regular season tomorrow with a 4:00 contest at Greensboro.

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