Fayette, Mo. – The 14th ranked Central Methodist University women's basketball team got off to a slow start on Saturday, and never could work their way back into the game. CMU would be upset by Grand View University on Saturday afternoon by a final of 94-84.
With the loss, the 14th ranked Eagles fall to 18-6 overall and 14-6 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play. With the victory, the Grand View University Vikings improve to 13-11 overall and 10-10 in The Heart.
Saturday's loss to Grand View University was the result of an issue that has plagued the Eagles in all six of their losses this season. Central once again got off to a slow start, and were unable to get out of the hole they put themselves in after the first 20 minutes of play. CMU shot just 5-of-13 from the field in the first quarter, but kept the score close by shooting a perfect 7-of-7 from the free-throw line. Heading into the second quarter, CMU trailed by five points, at 23-18.
The Eagles offense continued to struggle in the second quarter, shooting just 4-of-14 from the field. Central finished the quarter 0-for-4 from beyond the three-point arc, and made just one of their two free-throw attempts. The Eagles were outrebounded 15-7, and outscored 14-9. At halftime, Central trailed Grand View 37-27.
The second half featured an even ballgame across the board. Both teams would go on miniature runs, but then the other would respond. In the third quarter, both teams tallied 22 points apiece, to leave Grand View's lead at 10 points.
In the fourth quarter, both offenses exploded for 35 points apiece, but yet again CMU could not pull away from Grand View. The two squads played another even quarter, and Central would go on to drop the game 94-84.
In the loss, only the starting five players for the Eagles would notch any points. Four players finished in double-figures, led by Lexie Moe (SO/St. Peters, Mo.)'s 32 points on 12-of-19 shooting.
Following the game Saturday, CMU honored the 1996-97 team, with a 20 Year Reunion at center court with players and coaches from the squad.
The 14th ranked Eagles return to action this Wednesday, when they welcome the Clarke University Crusaders to town. The women's game is scheduled to begin at 5:30pm, with the men's game to follow at 7:30pm. Fans are encouraged to wear black to Wednesday's game, for the annual "Black Out" game.
For more information about Central Methodist University athletics, visit http://www.cmueagles.com. Follow CMU athletics on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cmathletics and on Twitter twitter.com/cmueagles.
