Marshall, Mo. - The No. 2 CMU Women's Basketball program earned an 80-71 victory over rival Missouri Valley College Saturday afternoon in Marshall, Mo. 

With the win, the Eagles remain perfect at 16-0 and 10-0 in conference play. MVC falls to 8-9 and 4-7 in the Heart. 

The Eagles held a slim 15-11 lead at the end of the first quarter and just a five-point lead entering the halftime break. The game remained tight as Central outscored MVC by just one in the third. A quick 7-0 scoring run in the first three minutes of the fourth pushed Central's lead to double-digits. 

The Vikings trimmed the Eagles' lead to as few as four, but were unable to come any closer as Central went on to earn the nine-point victory.

Reigning Heart Player of the Week Leah Johnson had another monster game, recording a game-high in 22 points in addition to 19 rebounds. She also added three blocks in the win. 

Daryna Bachkarova followed with 17 points in addition to seven rebounds and three steals. Leianya Massenat added 14 points, six rebounds, four steals, and an assist. 

Zutorya Cook rounded out Central's double-digit scorers with 13 points along with five steals, four assists, and a pair of rebounds. Jaicia Canady finished the afternoon with eight assists, six rebounds, and five steals. 

Despite an off shooting night for Central, the Eagles defense forced 24 Vikings' turnovers on 17 steals. CMU converted 28 points off turnovers. 

Central controlled the boards from start to finish, grabbing 56 rebounds compared to just 40 for Missouri Valley. 27 of those rebounds came on the offensive glass. 

CMU will next travel to Springfield to face the Evangel Valor Monday, Jan. 16 at 5:30 p.m.

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