FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Apprentice rolled to an 88-77 win over Methodist University on Saturday, knocking off the NCAA Division 3 squad for the third straight year.

The Builders controlled the pace early, building a 43-31 lead by halftime thanks to efficient shooting, drilling 4 of 7 from three in the first half. AS pushed on in the second half, hitting 13 of 14 free throws and keeping the Monarchs at bay.

Junior guard Shamon Rosser starred for Apprentice, notching 21 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including a late surge in the first half that helped extend the lead. Fellow guard Devon Brown added 15 points and eight rebounds, while forward Wayne Hedgepath contributed 14 points and nine boards.

For Methodist, senior forward Dontavious Pettaway scored a team-high 17 on 6-of-8 shooting and grabbed five rebounds.

While Methodist trimmed the deficit to eight late in the second half, Apprentice responded quickly, using both the free-throw line and transition chances to maintain separation. The Builders scored 18 fast-break points, compared with only 12 for the Monarchs.

Apprentice defeated MU in each of the last two seasons and won five of the last seven against the Monarchs.

The Builders improve to 2-1 on the season while Methodist falls to 1-1.