OSKALOOSA, Iowa – The Central Methodist University men's basketball program fell on the road against No. 7 William Penn on Wednesday evening.
The Eagles put up a solid fight in the first half with a short-handed roster and trailed by just four points at the intermission. The team battled early for the lead after the break, knotting the score twice through the first five minutes second half play. Central kept the game within reach, but a quick scoring run midway through the frame helped the Statesmen build a 15 point lead that they would maintain throughout the remainder of the contest.
Rijnard Hartman (JR/Magaliesburg, South Africa) and Josh Robinson (SR/Normal, Ill.) buoyed the offensive effort as they combined for 44 points on the night, securing 58 percent of the team's final total. Hartman tied a career-high with 23 points while Robinson tacked on 21 points. Kyle McDermed (JR/Frankfort, Ill.) rounded out the list of top scorers with 11 points.
INSIDE THE BOX:
- William Penn shot a red-hot 51 percent from the floor while the Eagles finished the night shooting 41 percent overall and 20 percent from long range
- Central forced 14 turnovers in the contest, converting for 17 points on the opposite end
- The Statesmen won the rebounding battle at a 51-31 margin, but teams were nearly even with rebounds secured on the offensive end
- Bench production proved to be a major factor in the contest as William Penn's bench held a 22-7 advantage
NOTABLE PERFORMERS:
- Rijnard Hartman – 21 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks
- Josh Robinson – 21 points, 3 3PT, 6-6 from the freethrow line
- Kyle McDermed – 11 points
- James Byrd II (SR/Kansas City, Mo.) – 7 points, 7 assists
The Eagles will return to action on Saturday, February 22nd, for Senior Day against Culver-Stockton. Game time is set for 4 PM in Puckett Field House.
