Olathe, Kan. - The Central Methodist Women's Basketball team rattled off its fourth consecutive win with a 71-69 victory over MidAmerica Nazarene University Wednesday night in Olathe, Kan.
Central improves to 6-3 and 4-2 in the Heart of America, while MNU falls to 2-4 and 1-4 in conference play.
CMU started out hot, outscoring the Pioneers 25-11 in the first quarter. MNU edged closer in the second quarter, tallying 19 points compared to 14 for CMU.
The Eagles maintained a 39-30 lead over MidAmerica Nazarene at the halftime break.
After a third quarter that saw the Pioneers outscore Central, 19-18, MNU maintained that momentum going into the final frame.
MNU grabbed their first lead of the game with 1:08 left in the fourth on a pair of free throws. Trailing 69-68, Central came up empty on its following possession before a defensive stop by the Eagles gave them an opportunity to score the go-ahead basket with less than 30 seconds left.
A jumper from Sharay Trotter with 23 seconds remaining put Central back out in front 70-69. A three-point basket with 14 seconds remaining was blocked by Trotter to give CMU possession and forcing MNU to foul.
Trotter converted one-of-two free throws to put CMU up two. MNU was unable to score in the closing seconds as Central held on for a 71-69 victory.
Tynesha Parnell led all scorers with 18 points in addition to five rebounds, three assists, and a steal. She knocked down four three-point baskets and shot 60-percent from the floor. B'Aunce Carter followed with 15 points, eight rebounds, and two steals.
Zutorya Cook tallied a double-double with 13 points and a game-high 11 assists.Trotter added 12 points in addition to six rebounds, two assists, and a pair of blocks.
Altogether four of Central's five starters landed in double figures.
As a team, CMU shot 48.3 percent from the floor and 40 percent from three.
Central outrebounded the Pioneers 37-31 and held MNU to 26.1 percent shooting from beyond the arc.
The Eagles remain on the road to face Graceland University Saturday, Dec. 9 at 2:00 p.m. in Lamoni, Iowa.
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