Fayette, Mo. The 22^nd ranked Central Methodist University men's basketball team defeated the Baker University Wildcats on Wednesday evening by a final of 79-66 inside of Puckett Field House.
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With the victory, the 22^nd ranked Central Methodist University Eagles improve to 10-4 overall and 4-2 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play. With the loss, Baker University falls to 6-7 overall and 2-4 in The Heart.
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It was a tale of two halves on Wednesday evening. In the first half, Baker and Central Methodist played close for the entire half, as CMU took a slim 42-39 lead into the dressing room. The Eagles shot 45% from the floor in the first half and missed just one free-throw attempt. While Baker, shot 39% from the floor and a game high 58% from beyond the three-point arc.
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In the second half, the Eagles took control. They outscored Baker 37-27 and outshot the Wildcats. Central Methodist shot 53% from the floor in the second half and shot 5-of-6 at the free-throw line. CMU's defense played a key role in the second half, holding the Wildcats to a shooting percentage of 37% from the floor, 28% from beyond the three-point arc, and Baker attempted only two free-throws in the second half.
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Four players scored in double-figures for Central Methodist in the victory. Ron Lee led the way with 24 points, four assists and 3 rebounds. Scott Stegeman notched his third straight double-double, finishing with 12 points and a team high 12 rebounds.
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The 22^nd ranked Eagles hit the road this Saturday, to face Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa in a conference showdown. The Lady Eagles will get things started at 2pm, followed by the men at 4pm.
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For more information about Central Methodist University athletics, visit http://www.cmueagles.com. Follow CMU athletics on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cmathletics and on Twitter twitter.com/cmueagles. �������
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