Fayette, Mo. - The No. 14 Central Methodist women's basketball program opened the New Year with a Heart matchup against No. 25 Benedictine College Monday afternoon inside Puckett Field House. 

The Eagles came away with a 67-51 victory over the Ravens, improving their overall record to 12-3 and 2-3 in the Heart. Benedictine falls to 11-4 and 4-2 in conference play. 

Holding a slim 28-23 lead at the halftime break, the Eagles outscored Benedictine, 24-14 in the third quarter to push their lead to double-digits. The quarter was highlighted by a 16-5 scoring run over the final four minutes of the frame. 

Central led by as many as 23 points in the closing minutes of the game and cruised to a 16-point win. 

Three different Eagles landed in double figures, led by junior forward Eternati Willock, who tallied 11 points for her first double-digit scoring performance of the season. Willock also added seven rebounds, one assist and a steal. 

The duo of Leianya Massenat and Jaicia Canady each tallied 10 points, while Canady recorded a game-high seven assists. Daryna Bachkarova nearly cracked double figures with nine points, along with four rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block. 

Kedranea' Addison provided valuable minutes off the bench, as the senior guard stuffed the stat sheet with seven points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals. 

Central claimed victory in the battle of the boards with 43 rebounds compared to 34 for the Ravens. Freshman forward Leah Johnson led CMU with 11 rebounds, marking her fifth double-digit rebounding performance of the season.

As a unit, the Eagles shot 42.6-percent from the floor compared to just 30.9-percent for Benedictine College. Central was also more efficient from beyond the arc, converting on 37.5-percent of its three-point baskets, in comparison to just 22.2-percent for the Ravens. 

The Eagles continue Heart South Division play against Baker University Wednesday, Jan. 5 at 5:30 p.m. in Baldwin City, Kan. 

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