Marshall, Mo. - The Central Methodist Men's Basketball team secured a key Heart of America Athletic Conference road win Wednesday night, defeating Missouri Valley 77–72 at the Burns Athletic Complex in Marshall. 

Central improves to 15-8 and 9-6 in the Heart, while MVC falls to 16-7 and 10-5 in conference action. The Vikings had previously won nine of 10 games. 

CMU jumped out to a strong start defensively, holding Missouri Valley to just 21 points in the first half while building a 35–21 advantage at the break.

Central maintained its composure down the stretch as the Vikings mounted a second-half comeback attempt, scoring 51 points after halftime. However, the Eagles answered with timely plays and key buckets to seal the victory.

Isaiah Bonaparte led CMU with a game-high 21 points, shooting six-of-11 from the field and three-of-four from three-point range. He also added six assists and five rebounds. Tyson Oghene followed with 18 points, knocking down four three-pointers and dishing out six assists in 38 minutes of action.

Raphael Gay added 11 points and eight rebounds, providing a steady presence in the paint, while Isaiah Reams contributed 11 points, six rebounds, and two steals. Austin Prater rounded out the balanced effort with nine points and a team-high nine rebounds.

Central shot 43.3 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from beyond the arc, while converting 15-of-18 free throws at an 83.3 percent clip. The Eagles totaled 19 assists on 26 made field goals and limited mistakes with just 14 turnovers on the night.

Missouri Valley outscored CMU 51–42 in the second half and held a narrow rebounding advantage, but struggled from three-point range, allowing the Eagles' first-half defensive effort and late-game execution to be the difference.

Central returns to Puckett Field House for a four-game homestand, beginning with a matchup against Mount Mercy University Saturday, Feb. 7 at 2:00 p.m. on Senior Day. The program will recognize its seniors prior to tip-off. 

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