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FAYETTE, Mo. - No. 22 Central Methodist suffered its first home defeat in the new year after an 81-57 loss to Evangel (Mo.) in Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) play.

Central Methodist (16-11, 9-6) entered Thursday winners of nine of its last 10 and riding a five-game win streak inside Puckett Fieldhouse, having not lost at home since a 64-60 decision to Baker (Kan.) on Dec. 16, 2013. However, Evangel (19-8, 10-5) shot 60.7 percent (17-of-28) in each half to end its four-game losing streak and gain a one-game edge on the Eagles for third place in the league standings with three games to play in the regular season.

The Crusaders opened the first 10 minutes of the game on a 25-11 run and led by as many as 20 in the first half after a J.J. Williams' layup at the 2:53 mark. Leading 40-22 at halftime, Evangel stretched its second-half advantage to as many as 28 points and led by no less than 18.

Williams led all scorers with 21 points on 9-of-13 shooting. Korry Tillery totaled 19 points on a 9-of-11 effort from the field. Richard Chapman tallied 17 points and was 6-of-10 overall, including 5-of-7 from behind the arc. Zack Kleine had 14 points.

Mitchell Farr totaled 19 points for Central Methodist, which shot 45.5 percent (20-of-44) in the contest and 57.9 percent (11-of-19) after halftime.

Reigning HAAC and National Player of the Week Melvin Tillman ended the night with 16 points and six assists. In the process, the Eagles' senior guard became only the 15th player in school history to surpass 1,300 career points scored. The Richmond, Ind., native now has 1,313 in three seasons in a green and black uniform.

Kaylim Noel and Eric McDaniel each scored six points for Central Methodist. McDaniel also pulled down five rebounds.

Tillman and McDaniel each had two steals.

Central Methodist travels to MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) on Saturday for the HAAC Men's Basketball Game of the Week. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. CT.