FAYETTE, Mo. - Melvin Tillman scored a game-high 18 points�as Central Methodist cruised past Culver-Stockton 82-58 on Thursday, giving Evan Lavery and Mike Regan a win in their�final game inside Puckett Fieldhouse. The Eagles (14-13, 8-9 Heart of America Athletic) won their fifth straight game in league play after defeating the Wildcats (4-23, 1-16 HAAC).

Reigning HAAC Player of the Week Eric Franklin and Elliott Black registered 14 points apiece for Central Methodist. Alex Barner and Derek Kitch added 11 apiece. Barner and Kitch also recorded double-doubles, as Barner pulled down a game-high 15 rebounds, while Kitch followed up with 13.

Black came up with�eight rebounds in the contest.

"It wasn't a pretty game, but I was pleased with our�second half effort," Central Methodist�Head Coach Jeff Sherman stated.� "We had some great performances tonight with the double doubles of Derek and Alex.� I think our two guards Melvin and Eric both continue to prove to be among the finest in the league, and the confidence they show each night has made a big difference over these past three weeks."

Dusan Kojic led Culver-Stockton offensively with 16 points. Dorian Hobbs had 10.

"Culver-Stockton is very well coached and had a very good game plan," Sherman said.�"Our experience paid off during the second half and thought we outworked them on the boards and attacking the basket."

The Eagles shot�45.9 percent (28-of-61) from�the floor and 71.9 percent (23-of-32) from the free throw line. The Wildcats hit 43.1 percent (22-of-51) from the field and 36.8 percent (7-of-19) from behind the arc.

Central Methodist owned the boards, outrebounding Culver-Stockton 52-22�.The Eagles held an edge on the offensive glass 17-1.

The Eagles travel to Baker on Saturday for the final game of the regular season. TIpoff is set for 4 p.m.