![Offensive surge pushes No. 1 Statesmen past Eagles in Heart Semifinals](/sports/mbkb/2021-22/photos/MBB_Final_vs._WPU_2-25-2022.jpg)
Oskaloosa, Iowa - The Central Methodist men's basketball team fell to No. 1 William Penn 92-81 in the semifinals of the Heart Conference Tournament Friday night in Oskaloosa, Iowa.
Central drops to 22-10 on the season while the Statesmen improve to 29-1 and advance to the Heart title game for the sixth time in the last seven seasons.
The Eagles offense jumped out in front early, opening the game on a 7-2 scoring run. Central maintained its lead through the first 10 minutes of the first, leading by as many as seven points. William Penn battled back and evened the score at 22-22 and took a one point lead on a free throw.
WPU remained out in front for the rest of the first and ultimately took a 48-39 into the locker room at the halftime break. The Statesmen led by as many as 22 points in the second half, and would come away with an 11-point victory.
For the second time against William Penn, sophomore guard Jonathan Brown dropped 30 points, shooting 11-of-19 from the field including four three-point baskets.
Tim Cameron tallied 16 points on 75-percent shooting from the floor. He also added five rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
Thomas Sowoolu was the third and final Eagle to reach double figures with 15 points. The difference maker for both sides came down low, as the Statesmen outrebounded Central 45-31 on the boards.
Central will now wait to see if it has earned an at-large bid into the national tournament, which will be released on Thursday, March 3 on the PlayNAIA Facebook Page.
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