Fayette, Mo. - The No. 17 Central Methodist women's basketball program survived a late fourth quarter surge by Kansas Wesleyan, defeating the Coyotes 77-73 Saturday afternoon inside Puckett Field House.
With the win, Central improves its overall mark to 3-0, while the Coyotes suffered their first lost of the season and are now 4-1.
The Eagles held a 57-47 advantage at the start of the fourth quarter and held an eight point lead through the first 4:31 of the final frame.
Kansas Wesleyan then scored six-straight points to trim Central's lead to two. After the Eagles converted on one of two free throws, The Coyotes tied the game at 66-66 on a three-point basket with 4:02 remaining.
Both teams exchanged leads in the next minute, before Kansas Wesleyan knocked down a three with 2:50 remaining. After a basket from Arleighshya McElroy, the Coyotes converted on another three, pushing their lead to 73-69.
However, Central battled back, scoring on their next two possessions, including a three from McElory to regain the lead with 1:25 remaining.
Trailing 74-73, the Coyotes offense stalled on their next two offensive possessions. Timely free throws from Leianya Massenat and Leah Johnson pushed Central's lead to 77-73 with under five seconds remaining, which proved to be the final score.
Five Eagles reached double-digit scoring including four in the starting lineup. Daryna Bachkarova and Johnson led the way with 16 points. Johnson also pulled down 17 rebounds to earn her second double-double of the season. She also added four blocks.
Kedranea' Addison scored 14 points on 60-percent shooting off the bench while the duo of Massenat and McElroy each poured in 13 points.
Central and Kansas Wesleyan were nearly identical in field goal percentage, as the Coyotes shot 40.5-percent while the Eagles finished the afternoon shooting 39.5-percent.
CMU converted 12-of-16 from the charity stripe, and assisted on 16 of its 30 made field goal attempts. McElroy led the way with five assists while Massenat and Addison each dished out three.
The Coyotes edged Central on the boards, grabbing 49 rebounds compared to CMU's 45.
Central will next travel to St. Louis to face Missouri Baptist Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 5:30 p.m.
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