Fayette, Mo. - The Central Methodist University Eagles' men's basketball team; whom are currently receiving votes in the latest NAIA Men's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll defeated the Missouri Valley College Vikings 88-51 inside of Puckett Field House.

With the victory, the Eagles improve to 7-3 overall and 5-3 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play. With the loss, Missouri Valley College falls to 6-4 overall and 5-3 in The Heart.

Central Methodist came out ready to go from the opening tip on Saturday evening. The Eagles offense shot 15-for-31 from the field in the first half, they outrebounded the Missouri Valley College Vikings 20-14 in the first half, and held the Vikings to 6-of-25 shooting from the field. At the halftime break, Central held a 42-25 lead.

In the second half, the Eagles continued to dominate the Vikings. CMU shot 17-for-30 from the field, 4-for-9 from beyond the three-point arc, and 8-of-12 from the free - throw line. Central outrebounded the Vikings 23-14 in the second half, and forced nine Viking turnovers. CMU outscored Missouri Valley 46-26 to claim the 88-51 victory.

In the win, the Eagles had three players score in double-figures and were led by Ron Lee (SR/Oak Park, Calif.)'s 29 points. Lee shot 9-of-20 from the field, 5-of-11 from beyond the three-point arc, and 6-for-10 from the free-throw line. Charles Harris III (SR/Antioch, Ill.) chimed in with 18 points on 8-of-9 shooting, with a team high seven rebounds, and he tied for the team high in assists with four.

The Eagles return to action this coming Friday, when they step out of conference play for a game against Southwestern Christian University. Friday's game is scheduled to tip-off at 1pm, and it will be Elementary Day inside of Puckett Field House.

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.