Fayette, Mo. - The Central Methodist Women's Basketball team concluded 2023 with a 64-62 victory over Philander Smith Sunday afternoon inside Puckett Field House. 

The Eagles improve to 7-5 overall while the Panthers now stand at 9-5. 

CMU struggled in the opening frame, as they were outscored by PSU 21-14. Central responded nicely in the second quarter dropping 29 points while holding Philander Smith to just 12. 

The Eagles would head into the locker room with a 43-33 lead at the halftime break. 

Philander came within six points in the third quarter, as Central headed into the fourth with a 52-46 lead. 

CMU stretched its lead back out to double digits with just under five minutes to play in the game. The Panthers would then score six unanswered points to cut Central's lead to four. 

A two-point basket by Miaya Ware with 1:43 remaining on the clock pushed Central's lead to 64-58. PSU would score the final four points of the game and had an opportunity to win on a buzzer beater with seven seconds left. The three-point attempt as time expired hit off the back board, giving Central a narrow two point victory. 

Junior guard Zutorya Cook led the Eagle offense with 14 points. The native of Marrieta, Ga. also added five rebounds, five assists, and four steals. The duo of B'Aunce Carter and Jodie Bass each tallied 13 points, while Carter grabbed nine rebounds to nearly secure a double-double. 

Bass knocked down Central's lone pair of three point baskets while converting three-of-four from the charity stripe. It marks Bass' first double-digit scoring performance of her career. 

Sharay Trotter rounded out the double-digit scorers, as the junior guard scored 10 points in addition to seven rebounds and two assists in 35 minutes of action. 

Central returns to conference action against rival Missouri Valley College Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 5:30 p.m. inside Puckett Field House. 

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