Oskaloosa, Iowa – The Central Methodist Men's Basketball team were dealt its first conference loss of the season, as Central fell to William Penn University 91-83 Saturday evening in Oskaloosa, Iowa. 

With the loss, the Eagles drop to 4-2 overall and 1-1 in conference play, while the Statesmen improve to 5-1 and remain undefeated in the Heart at 2-0.

Central Methodist fought hard throughout the game, starting with a competitive first half. Despite scoring 35 points in the first 20 minutes, CMU trailed by 12 at the break. Senior Marcus Anthony led the charge offensively for Central with eight points in the first half. 

The Eagles had another impressive offensive showing in the second half, scoring 48 points. However, Central was unable to answer defensively against WPU's offense, which shot 40.7 percent from behind the arc and 78.8 percent from the free throw line.

Anthony finished the night with 14 points while shooting 60 percent from the field. Destin Jenkins was a key contributor as well, adding 11 points for CMU and converting seven-of-eight free throw attempts.

Mario Fantina matched Jenkins with 11 points of which nine came from beyond the arc. Bol Tong and Brandon Tchouya each finished the night with 10 points. Tchouya also nearly tallied a double double with nine rebounds. 

Forward Thomas Sowoolu nearly cracked double figures with nine points in 11 minutes of action. 

CMU outrebounded William Penn 43-35, but William Penn's defense forced 21 Eagle turnovers and held Central to just five three-point makes. 

The Eagles will look to bounce back as they return home Wednesday, Nov. 20 to face Benedictine College.

Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. inside Puckett Field House. 

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