Lamoni, Iowa - Despite a hot start in the first half, the Central Methodist Men's Basketball team fell to first place Graceland University 89-75 Saturday evening in Lamoni, Iowa.
Central now stands at 9-2 and 5-2 in the Heart of America, while the Yellowjackets improve to 9-1 and 6-0 in conference action.
CMU started out the first half hot, shooting 41.9 percent from the floor which included seven three-point baskets. However, Graceland matched Central's shooting, converting a cool 50 percent shooting from the field. Central found themselves trailing 47-38 at the halftime break, as GU closed the half on an 8-1 scoring run.
The Eagles were unable to duplicate their shooting from three in the first half, as Central shot just 21.4 percent from long range in the second. Graceland shot over 55 percent from the floor in the final 20 minutes of play en route to a 14-point victory.
Everett Stubblefield led the Eagles' offense with 22 points on eight-of-18 shooting from the floor, including four three-point baskets. Isaiah May scored 12 points and grabbed seve rebounds, while both Marcus Anthony and TreVon Smith chipped in 11 points.
Trey Sinegal rounded out the double-digit scorers for CMU with 10 points coming off the bench.
Central won the battle of the boards, outrebounding the Yellowjackets 42-35. Graceland finished the game shooting 53.1 percent from the floor and 40 percent from three.
The Eagles will next face Grand View University Saturday, Dec. 16 at 4:00 p.m. in Des Moines, Iowa.
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