Lamoni, Iowa - With five Eagles scoring in double-digits, the No. 15 Central Methodist women's basketball program picked up a 71-51 road win over Heart North Division member Graceland University Wednesday night in Lamoni, Iowa. 

The Eagles improve their overall record to 18-4 and 8-4 in conference play and also claim the top spot in the South Divison standings. Graceland falls to 5-16 and 2-10 in the Heart. 

Central's only time trailing was in the opening two and a half minutes of the first quarter, 1-0. The Eagles led from there on out, stretching their lead to as many as 20 points as the buzzer sounded at the end of the fourth quarter. 

Four of Central's five starters reached double figures, led by reigning Heart Freshman of the Year Leianya Massenat. The Trenton, N.J. native stuffed the stat sheet with 16 points, eight rebounds, three steals, and an assist. She also shot a perfect four-of-four from the three-point line. Leah Johnson tallied another double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while the duo of Jaicia Canady and Daryna Bachkarova each recorded 11 points. 

Canady also tallied 11 steals in the victory, setting a new-single game program record, and earning a double-double. The previous record was set by Mercedes Jefflo on March 1, 2019 (10). 

Robin Beck rounded out the double-digit scorers for Central with 10 points in 20 minutes off the bench. 

Despite not shooting as well from the floor, the Eagles were extremely efficient from beyond the arc, converting on 34.4-percent of their attempts. Graceland struggled from both the three-point line and the charity stripe, converting on 14.3 and 53.3-percent respectively. 

CMU forced 32 Yellowjacket turnovers on 23 steals. Central claimed victory on the glass as well, grabbing 38 rebounds compared to 31 for Graceland. 

Central returns home to host Peru State College Saturday, Jan. 29 at 2:00 p.m. inside Puckett Field House. 

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