Fulton, Mo. – The Central Methodist Women's Basketball team earned a gutsy 69-66 win over William Woods University Saturday afternoon in Fulton, Mo. 

With the win, Central improves its overall record to 3-1, while the Owls fall to 1-3. 

The first quarter was fairly even between both teams, with WWU holding an 18-17 lead at the end of the opening frame. The second quarter saw William Woods extend its advantage to 34-29 at the halftime break. 

The Owls continued to increase their lead in the third, but halfway through the quarter, the Eagles began to edge closer.

Kaelyn Johnson came off the bench and provided a much-needed spark for Central in the third, going three-for-three from the field and scoring six points in just six minutes of action. 

Central trailed by five entering the fourth quarter but were able to outscore William Woods 20-12. Trailing 66-65 with under 10 seconds left, a steal by Sharay Trotter followed by a layup from Tristan Porter gave Central a 67-66 lead. 

CMU padded its lead with a pair of late free throws to go up 69-66. However, the Owls had an opportunity to tie the game after earning a foul from beyond the arc. 

William Woods missed all three free throws in the final second of the game, giving CMU a three-point win. 

Sa'Mya Stevens and Nautica Washington led the offense with 14 points apiece, while Johnson finished the day with 10 points. Trotter stuffed the stat sheet with eight points, eight rebounds, five assists, three steals, and two blocks. 

Porter, Bianca Bindzus, and Mary Copeland all chipped in six points. 

As a team, Central finished the evening shooting 42.4 percent from the floor and 75 percent from the charity stripe. The Eagles won the battle of the boards, outrebounding the Owls, 51-40.

CMU returns home and will host MidAmerica Nazarene University to begin conference play on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 5:30 p.m. inside Puckett Field House.  

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