CANTON, Mo. - Central Methodist converted three free throws with under eight seconds remaining to defeat Culver-Stockton 71-68 on Thursday in Charles Fieldhouse in Heart of America Athletic Conference women's basketball action.

The Lady Eagles (8-10, 5-3 HAAC) used an 18-5 run midway through the first half to take a 13-point lead late in the period. With the score tied at 16 at the 11:15 mark, Sami Dunger nailed a three-pointer to trigger the spurt. A Raylyn Nuss free throw gave the visitors a 34-21�upper hand�with three minutes to go in the half, and Central Methodist led 36-25 at halftime.

The Wildcats (10-10, 2-6 HAAC) rallied and took a four-point lead with 7:04 left in the game, but two Nakia Robinson free throws gave the Lady Eagles a 59-57 advantage at the 5:44 mark, and Central Methodist would never trail again.

Dunger and Towanda Sutton finished with 15 points apiece. Robinson added 13. Sammie Gathercole had 11 points and a team-high eight rebounds.

Aneshia Starks led Culver-Stockton offensively with 23 points and nine rebounds. Bailey Owen and Tromesa May had 12 and 11 points, respectively.

The Lady Eagles hit 26-of-48 (54.2%) from the field and held the Wildcats to only 35.9% (23-of-64) shooting.

Central Methodist will host Baker on Saturday, Jan. 21. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.