Springfield, Mo. - Despite opening the game on an 8-0 scoring run, the Central Methodist men's basketball team dropped a road contest to Evangel by a score of 79-65 Wednesday night in Springfield, Mo. 

With the loss, CMU falls to 5-4 overall and 3-2 in conference action, while the Crusaders improve to 5-3 and a perfect 4-0 in the Heart. 

The Eagles jumped out in front in the first 2:52 via a basket from Fode Camara and back-to-back three-point makes from Kyle McDermed and Chandler Bevans. 

Evangel responded and ultimately tied the game at 13-13 with a little over 10 minutes remaining. The final 10 minutes featured four lead changes and five ties, as the Crusaders took a narrow 29-27 lead into the halftime break. 

Evangel's offense sparked in the second half, outscoring the Eagles 50-38 to come away with a 14-point victory.

McDermed once again led the offense with 18 points, shooting seven-of-14 from the field including four three-point baskets. He also grabbed seven rebounds and dished out two assists. Bevans was the only other Eagle to reach double-figures, scoring 14 points and grabbing a team-high nine rebounds, nearly missing out on a double-double. 

Camara chipped in nine points and eight rebounds, while Austin Fisher also collected nine points paired with two assists. 

As a unit, the offense converted 38.5-percent of its three-point attempts compared to 30-percent for Evangel. CMU edged the Crusaders in the battle of the boards, grabbing 43 rebounds compared to the Crusaders' 39. 

Central returns to action with a weekend showdown against Heart newcomer Park University Saturday, Dec. 5 at 3:00 p.m. in Parkville, Mo. 

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