Fayette, Mo. - The No. 1 Central Methodist Women's Basketball team battled through a physical game to defeat No. 16 Haskell, 84-59, in the First Round of the NAIA Women's Basketball National Tournament Tuesday night inside Puckett Field House.
The Eagles improve upon their perfect record at 32-0 and advance to the Second Round. Haskell sees its season come to an end with a final record of 15-17. It marks the third meeting between the two programs this season, with CMU winning all three matchups.
Central also breaks the prgram record for single season wins, with the previous mark being set in 2019-20 and last year in 2021-22.
The Eagles jumped out to a quick 18-8 lead in the first quarter, before the Fighting Indians outscored Central 23-18 in the second half. The Eagles held a 36-31 lead at the halftime break, battling through a physical two quarters of play from Haskell.
CMU's best quarter came in the third, where they scored 27 points compared to just 10 for Haskell. The Eagles cruised in the final quarter with a sizable lead to come away with an 35-point victory.
Central saw all five of its starters land in double figures, including three with double-doubles. Daryna Bachkarova led the way with 20 points on eight-of-18 shooting from the floor and two three-point baskets. She also grabbed 10 rebounds, recorded three blocks, and dished out two assists.
Leianya Massenat followed with 16 points, eight rebounds, four steals, and eight assists. Leah Johnson secured another double-double with 13 points, a game-high 13 rebounds. She also added four steals and dished out three assists.
Jaicia Canady stuffed the stat sheet with 11 points, 10 rebounds, two steals, a block, and an assist.
Zutorya Cook rounded out the double-digit scorers for Central with 10 points in addition to eight rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block.
Natalia Shpegel chipped in six points, four steals, three rebounds and an assist off the bench. Robin Beck and Taliyah Carter each added four points.
CMU controlled the glass from start to finish, grabbing 68 rebounds compared to just 41 for Haskell. Twenty-five of Central's boards came on the offensive glass.
The Eagles' defense forced 20 Haskell turnovers on 16 steals. Haskell finished the night knocking down nine three-point baskets, compared to three for CMU.
Central shot well from the free throw line, converting on 19-of-25 of their free throw attempts.
Central will now face No. 8 seeded Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.) in the Second Round Wednesday, March 8 at 7:00 p.m. inside Puckett Field House. The winner will advance to the Round of 16 at the Final Site in Sioux City, Iowa.
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