Dubuque, Iowa - The Central Methodist Women's Basketball team saw its season come to a close in the quarterfinals of the Heart of America Conference Tournament Wednesday night in Dubuque, Iowa.
Central, who served as the No. 8 seed in the tourney, fell to No. 1 seed Clarke University 80-67.
The Eagles held a lead for a majority of the first quarter, leading by as many as six points. The Pride would find their shooting rythm with three minutes left in the opening frame, outscoring CMU 7-2. Clarke would pull out in front of the Eagles 22-17 at the end of the first quarter.
Clarke extended its lead to as many as 11 in the second, holding a 45-35 lead at the halftime break.
Central came out of the locker room scoring the first nine points of the third, all while holding CU scoreless through the first 4:03 of the frame. Clarke however, maintained its lead through the third and once again found its shooting rhythm. The Pride scored 18 points in just four minutes to stretch their lead back out to double digits.
Central came within seven in the fourth, but were unable to come any closer, as Clarke secured the 13-point victory.
Senior B'Aunce Carter led CMU's offense with 17 points to go along with eight rebounds, and two steals. Tynesha Parnell followed with 15 points which included three three-point baskets.
Zutorya Cook rounded out Central's double-digit scorers with 14 points in addition to eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Genet Mebratu nearly cracked double-figures with eight points while Sharay Trotter tallied six points, a team-high nine rebounds, two steals, a block, and an assist.
The Eagles held a slight advantage in overall shooting, but were outrebounded by the Pride on the glass, 48-35. Clarke also made 25 trips to the charity stripe, knocking down 72 percent of their attempts.
Central finishes the year with a 13-16 overall record and a 10-14 mark in the Heart of America.
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