Fayette, Mo. - The No. 14 Central Methodist women's basketball team used stingy defense to earn a 68-41 victory over Culver-Stockton College Saturday afternoon inside Puckett Field House. 

With the win, Central improves to 14-3 and 4-3 in the Heart, while the Wildcats fall to 8-8 and 2-5 in conference play. Culver-Stockton's 41 points are the second fewest a Central defense has allowed this season, including the fewest in conference play so far. 

Holding a 32-20 lead at halftime, the Eagles' increased its defensive pressure in the third quarter. Central held CS-C without any points through the first 6:41 of the frame and without a field goal make through almost the entirity of the quarter. 

The Eagles finished the third outscoring Culver-Stockton, 22-4. CS-C was unable to make any kind of run in the final frame, as Central would go on to win, 68-41. 

Four of five Eagle starters cracked double figures, led by Arleighshya McElroy who tallied 14 points in addition to seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals. 

Daryna Bachkarova followed with 12 points and eight rebounds while both Eternati Willock and Leah Johnson added 10. Willock also pulled down a game-high 12 rebounds for her first double-double as an Eagle. 

Central dominated the glass, grabbing 55 rebounds compared to 42 for the Wildcats. Overall, seven Eagles grabbed at least three or more rebounds. 

The Eagles head back out on the road for a crucial South Division matchup against MidAmerica Nazarene Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 5:30 p.m. in Olathe, Kan. 

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