Fayette, Mo. – The Central Methodist women's basketball team hosted their conference home opener against Benedictine College, defeating the Ravens by a score of 82-67 Saturday afternoon in Puckett Fieldhouse. 

With the win, the Eagles improve to 3-1 overall and a 2-1 in conference play while the Ravens fall to 5-4 overall and 3-2 in conference action.

The Ravens held the lead for the majority of the first quarter, but the Eagles were able to grab the lead with 3:40 remaining. Both teams exchanged baskets before Benedictine grabbed a 20-17 lead at the end of the first frame. The second quarter was decisive for Central, as they were able to come back from a seven-point deficit to take the lead at the 5:45 mark on a Michelle Nicholls three-point basket. Central entered halftime with a 43-34 advantage, led on offense by Nicholls who collected 14 points in the first half. 

The Eagles solidified their win in the final two quarters, leading by as many as 16 points en-route to an 82-67 victory over Benedictine and their second conference win of 2020. 

Central had a balanced offensive attack from up and down the lineup, as four Eagles scored 16 or more points. R'Manie Pulling led the way with 19 points along with a game-high five assists and three three-point baskets.

Three other Eagles reached double figures including, Vanda Cuamba and Nicholls, who each recorded 18. Leah Johnson picked up a double-double with 16 points and set a new career-high with 16 rebounds and four blocked shots. Nicholls grabbed eight rebounds and nailed four three-point baskets, while Cuamba and Zaria Jones collected six rebounds each.

As a team, the Eagles shot 46.3-percent from the floor compared to 35.5-percent for the Ravens. CMU also converted 76.5-percent from the free-throw line compared to Benedictine's 72-percent. 

CMU won the battle of the boards, grabbing 47 rebounds compared to just 33 for BC. 

The Eagles will be back in action Wednesday, Dec. 2 against Evangel University in Springfield, Mo. at 5:30 p.m. 

#TakeFlight