Lamoni, Iowa The Central Methodist University men's basketball team suffered their fourth straight loss on Saturday afternoon on the road at Graceland University by a final of 82-76 in Lamoni, Iowa.
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With the loss, the Central Methodist University Eagles; whom are currently receiving votes in the latest NAIA Top 25 Coaches' Poll, fall to 10-8 overall and 4-6 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play. With the victory, Graceland University improves to 12-6 overall and 7-3 in The Heart.
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Central Methodist kept it close with Graceland University all afternoon on Saturday, but the Yellowjackets were able to pull away late to hand the Eagles their fourth straight loss.
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After a half of play, Graceland took a slim 33-31 lead into halftime. Central Methodist shot 48% from the field, but struggled from beyond the three-point arc and only attempted two free-throws. Graceland had some struggles as well in the first half, shooting just 40% from the field and 19% (4-for-19) from beyond the three-point arc. The Yellowjackets shot 3-for-3 from the free-throw line.
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The second half was just about as close as the first half. Graceland edged the Eagles 49-45 and in-turn won the game 82-76. Both teams shot 48% from the field in the second half, but Graceland made one more three-pointer and edged the Eagles at the charity stripe. Central Methodist shot 11-for-19 from the free-throw line, while Graceland shot 16-for-21.
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Four players scored in double-figures for Central Methodist in the loss. Leading the way was Marcus Walden, with 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting. Walden also finished with five rebounds and steal.
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The Eagles return home this Wednesday, to host a struggling MidAmerica Nazarene squad. The game is scheduled to tip-off at 7:30pm, immediately following the women's game.
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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. � � �