Fayette, Mo. - The Central Methodist women's basketball team fell in a nail-biter to Clarke, 80-79, in the first meeting between the two this season Saturday afternoon in Dubuque, Iowa. 

CMU now stands at 5-6 and 2-5 in the Heart of America, while the Pride improve to 6-1 and 4-1 in conference action. 

The Eagles jumped out to an early 24-16 first quarter lead. 

CMU carried that momentum into the second quarter, outscoring the Pride 24-23 to take a 48-39 lead into the halftime break. 

Clarke settled in defensively in the third quarter, limiting the Eagles to 12 points before outscoring CMU 21-19 in the fourth.

In the fourth, Sa'Mya Stevens scored 10 points, five of which came from free throw line. Her final two free throws gave Central a 79-77 lead with just 18 seconds remaining.

Nine seconds later, after a timeout taken by the Pride, Clarke's Hailey Walters knocked down the game-winning three to put CU out in front. Central's final possession came up empty as Clarke escaped wtih a one-point victory. 

Washington had an exceptional performance, finishing with 26 points, six rebounds, and two assists. Stevens finished her day with a double-double, recording 18 points and 12 rebounds.

Tristan Porter tallied seven points, five rebounds, and four assists. Bianca Bindzus matched Porter with seven points and senior guard Sharay Trotter recorded eight points. 

CMU held a slight advantage on the glass, outrebounding Clarke 38-37. Central knocked down seven three-point baskets, but struggled from the charity stripe, converting on just 66.7 percent of their attempts. 

The Eagles remain on the road to square off against Park University Wednesday Dec. 11 at 5:30 p.m. in Parkville, Mo. 

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