Fayette, Mo. - The Central Methodist Women's Basketball team's second half comeback fell short, as Central lost to Park University, 76-71 Saturday afternoon in Puckett Field House. 

At the conclusion of the game, both CMU and Park have identical records of 7-7 and 4-6 in the Heart of America. 

Trailing 38-24 at the halftime break, Central used a monster third quarter to come within striking distance of Park. The Eagles outscored the Pirates 27-18 to cut the defecit to five at the end of the third. 

CMU came within one at 56-55 in the opening minute of the fourth quarter. However, Park never reliquished their lead, trading baskets with Central through the duration of the final frame. 

The Pirates stretched their lead to as many as seven in the fourth, ultimately coming away with a five-point victory. 

Miaya Ware led the Central offense, tallying a career-best 23 points on seven-of-11 shooting from the floor. In addition, the junior forward knocked down nine-of-10 free throw shots and grabbed seven rebounds. 

Junior guard Zutorya Cook played every minute for Central, also reaching double figures with 13 points and adding four rebounds, four assists, and three steals. 

Charli Wroe saw her first action of the season, playing 24 minutes and scoring 13 points off the bench. She also knocked down three three-point baskets. 

Sharay Trotter and Sa'Mya Stevens each chipped in eight points. 

Both teams shot an identical 33.3 percent from beyond the arc, while the Pirates finished the afternoon shooting an even 50 percent from the floor. Park held the advantage on the glass, outrebounding CMU 34-27. 

Central heads out on the road to face William Penn University Wednesday, Jan. 10 at 5:30 p.m. in Oskaloosa, Iowa. 

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