Fayette, Mo. - Behind a 32-point performance from senior guard Kyle McDermed, the Central Methodist men's basketball team bounced back with an 82-54 victory over Hannibal-LaGrange Tuesday night inside Puckett Fieldhouse.
The Eagles improve their overall record to 5-3, while the Trojans fall to 1-4. Tonight's game marked the final non-conference contest of the semester for Central.
CMU was slow out of the gate in the opening moments, as Hannibal jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first 1:29. Following a Central timeout, the Eagles went on a 9-0 run to take the lead highlighted by back-to-back threes from McDermed.
CMU stretched their lead by as many as 17 points, ultimately taking a 39-25 lead into the locker room.
The Central offense continued to cruise in the second half, earning a 28-point win that was capped with a dunk from sophomore guard Jayden McGrew in the closing moments.
McDermed recorded 32 points on 10-of-17 from the floor including seven three-point baskets, all of which are new career highs for the Frankfort, Ill. native. He also added three rebounds and a steal.
Chandler Bevans reached double-figures for the fifth-straight game, collecting 10 points, five rebounds, and two steals. He also converted two three-point baskets.
Trent Lyles nearly cracked double-figures with nine points in 17 minutes of action. Fode Camara followed with eight points while Amir Pettiford added seven. Jeff Salmon also converted on two three-point baskets for six points in the second half.
As a unit, the Eagle sharpshooters converted on 13-of-28 three-point attempts for 46.4-percent. The 13 three-point baskets are the most from a CMU team since Nov. 1, 2019, vs. Kansas Christian College, who also recorded 13.
Central claimed the battle of the boards, grabbing 43 rebounds compared to 26 for Hannibal, with 15 coming on the offensive glass.
The duo of Amir Pettiford and McGrew dished out a team-high four assists, and the defense forced 16 turnovers on 12 steals.
CMU will next face Evangel University Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. in Springfield, Mo. The Eagles and Crusaders split last year's season series, as each team won on the other's home floor.
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