Fayette, Mo. - The Central Methodist Men's Basketball team opened Heart of America play with a convincing win over MidAmerica Nazarene University Wednesday night inside Puckett Field House. 

Central defeated the Pioneers by a score of 85-73. The Eagles improve their overall record to 4-1 and 1-0 in the Heart, while MNU falls to 1-3 and 0-1 in conference play. 

The Eagles outscored MidAmerica Nazarene 41-30 in the first half, and stretched their lead to as many as 17 points in the second en route to a double-digit victory. 

Four of Central's five starters landed in double figures, led by Destin Jenkins who tallied 24 points on nine-of-13 shooting from the floor. He also grabbed nine rebounds and picked up a steal and an assist in the win. 

Brandon Tchouya followed with 18 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three steals. Senior forward Bol Tong continued his impressive early season run with 15 points, three assists, two rebounds, and two blocks. 

Kai Jordan rounded out the double-digit scorers with 12 points while also finishing with five rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal. 

In just eight minutes of action, Christian Barbieri had an impressive run, scoring nine points on a perfect four-for-four shooting which included a three-point basket. 

The Eagles were affective from all areas from the floor, shooting 58.9 percent from the field, 33.3 percent from beyond the arc, and 75 percent from the charity stripe. 

Central held just a slight edge on the glass, outrebounding the Pioneers, 35-33. 

CMU heads out on the road for a Saturday matchup against William Penn University Saturday, Nov. 16 at 4:00 p.m. in Oskaloosa, Iowa. 

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