Lamoni, Iowa - The Central Methodist men's basketball team fell to first-place Graceland University by a final score of 80-70 Saturday evening in Lamoni, Iowa.

The Eagles drop to 11-6 overall and 5-4 in conference play, while Graceland improves to 15-2 and remain unbeaten in Heart action at 9-0.

Central built a slim 41–40 halftime lead, highlighted by a buzzer beater by Austin Prater to close the first half.

However, Graceland shot 46.7 percent after the break and outscored the Eagles 40–29 to secure the win.

Isaiah Reams delivered another standout performance for CMU, pouring in a game-high 28 points while playing all 40 minutes. The senior guard attacked the rim consistently, going 12-of-13 at the free throw line, and added three assists and two steals.

Tyson Oghene contributed 11 points and five rebounds, while Prater was active on the glass, recording a team-high 12 rebounds to go along with seven points and two blocks.

Raphael Gay added eight points on four-of-five shooting, while Davion Guity provided a spark off the bench with six points, knocking down two three-pointers.

As a team, the Eagles struggled from the field in the second half, finishing at 36.7 percent overall and 26.9 percent from beyond the arc.

Central also faced a rebounding deficit (35–30) and were outscored 38–22 in points in the paint.

Graceland shot 52.6 percent for the game and an impressive 50 percent from three-point range. 

The Eagles continue a tough road slate, heading to St. Louis to face Missouri Baptist University Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 7:30 p.m. 

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