KOMU Video Highlights
FAYETTE, Mo. - Sammie Gathercole, Sami Dunger, and Raylyn Nuss combined for 43 points to lead Central Methodist to a 73-58 win over Missouri Valley on Thursday inside Puckett Fieldhouse in Heart of America Athletic Conference women's basketball action. The Eagles (14-11, 11-4 HAAC) have won seven of their last eight games after defeating the Vikings (10-14, 6-8 HAAC).
"Our second half play was tremendous," Central Methodist�Head Coach James Arnold commented.�"We play hard, disciplined, together and a complete 20 minutes.�I also thought it was important that we regrouped after their big run early to get back to even at halftime."
Gathercole tallied a game-high 18 points. Nuss had 10.
Dunger finished with 15 points and moved into seventh place on the school's all-time scoring list, passing Holly Wade (1,275 points; 2004-07). She now has 1,280 points and is 92 points from passing Becky Valadez (1991-95).
"It's very exciting especially since we were able to get the win in the process," Dunger said. "It's a great individual honor, but I'm really looking forward to Saturday and a chance to get another big conference win."
Central Methodist's Towanda Sutton recorded eight points. Karli Abbey and Kyra Williams had six apiece.
"Kyra gave us a huge lift tonight stepping up for Nakia Robinson (injury)," Arnold said.�"She was all over the court and got her hands on a ton of loose balls."
The Eagles shot 26-of-63 (41.3%) from the floor and hit 7-of-15 (46.7%) from behind the arc, including 6-of-10 (60%) in the second half. Central Methodist converted 32 Missouri Valley turnovers into 28 points and had 18 steals.
"We had great balance tonight and that was key," Arnold commented.�"When we've been at our best, it has been when we've had multiple players contribute.�Ten different players scored, eight different players played at least twenty minutes, that's big."
Hannah Young led the visitors with 13 points. Samantha Kixmiller and Chelsey Merrigan had 11 and 10, respectively.
Central Methodist will travel to Benedictine on Saturday. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.
