Atchison, Kan. - In their first conference game of 2023, the No. 4 Central Methodist Women's Basketball program earned a 69-50 road victory over Benedictine College Wednesday night in Atchison, Kan. 

With the win, CMU keeps its perfect record intact at 13-0, including a 7-0 mark in Heart action. The Ravens fall to 6-8 and 3-5 in the conference. 

The Eagles jumped out to a 22-10 first quarter lead, before BC outscored Central 16-11 in the second. CMU would take a seven-point lead at the halftime break. 

Central responded well in the third, scoring 23 points compared to just 13 for Benedictine. CMU held the Ravens to just 11 points in the fourth to earn a 19-point victory. 

The night belonged to sophomore forward Leah Johnson, who matched her career high with 24 points in addition to a new career-best 21 rebounds, just four rebounds shy of tying the single-game program record. 

The native of Ewing, N.J. tallied 15 points and 13 rebounds in the first half alone. She also finished the evening with a game-high four blocks. 

Leianya Massenat landed in double figures with 17 points in addition to five rebounds, four steals, and an assist. Daryna Bachkarova was the final Eagle to score in double-digits with 11 points. 

Sophomore guard Zutorya Cook chipped in four points and added five assists, four rebounds, and three steals. 

CMU finished the night shooting 42.5-percent from the floor, while holding Benedictine to just 30.8-percent. Central also forced 22 Raven turnovers on 12 steals. 

CMU also outrebounded Benedictine 46-38, including 24 rebounds on the offensive glass. 

The Eagles will next face Peru State College Saturday, Jan. 7 at 2:00 p.m. in Peru, Neb. 

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