Fayette, Mo. - The Central Methodist Women's Basketball team used stingy defense to pick up a 69-51 victory over William Penn Wednesday night inside Puckett Field House. 

Central improves to 11-12 and 8-11 in the Heart of America, while WPU falls to 3-21 and 2-18 in conference action. 

After a first quarter that saw a combined 15 points scored, the Eagles scored 22 points in the second to take a 30-23 lead at the halftime break. 

Central held the Statesmen to 11 points in the third quarter, while scoring 21 points of their own. Stretching their lead to as many as 22 points in the fourth, Central would to an 18-point victory down the stretch.

Senior forward B'Aunce Carter led Central's offense with 16 points to go along with four rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block. Sa'Mya Stevens followed with 13 points, four rebounds, and a steal. 

Sharay Trotter rounded out the double digit scorers for CMU. The junior guard tallied 11 points in addition to eight rebounds, five steals, four blocks, and three assists in the win. 

Central's defense proved to be the difference in the game, as the Eagles forced 26 William Penn turnovers on 12 steals. CMU also recorded six total blocks, which included three in the first quarter from Trotter. 

Central outrebounded the Statesmen on the glass, 42-39, and held WPU to just 35.2 percent shooting from the floor. 

CMU made its presence known down in the block, as Central scored 42 of its points in the paint, compared to just 22 for the Statesmen. 

The Eagles are currently in a four-way tie for sixth place in the conference regular season standings, and will next host Graceland University for a crucial Heart game. Tip-off is set for Saturday, Feb. 10 at 2:00 p.m. inside Puckett Field House.

The Eagles will also honor their 2023-24 senior class prior to the game. 

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