Cedar Rapids, Iowa - The Central Methodist Women's basketball team began the new year on the road, facing  Mount Mercy University Saturday afternoon in Cedar Rapids. 

Central ultimately fell to the Mustangs, 76-53. The Eagles now stand at 6-9 and 3-8 in the Heart of America, while MMU improves to 9-5 and 7-4 in conference play. 

Both teams started hot offensively, with the Mustangs winning the opening quarter, 24-19.

Sa'Mya Stevens had an impecable first frame, scoring 15 of Central's 19 points. She shot six-of-eight from the floor and grabbed four rebounds in the opening quarter. 

However, the Mustangs' defense held CMU to just two points in the second quarter, and would take a 39-21 lead into the locker room at the halftime break. 

Mount Mercy stretched its lead further in the third, outscoring the Eagles 20-10. 

Central was able to tally 22 points in the final frame compared to 17 for Mount Mercy. Unfortunately, the deficit proved to be too great, as MMU went on to earn a 23-point win. 

Stevens finished the contest with a 20-point, 16-rebound double-double to lead the charge for Central. 

Sharay Trotter was the only other Eagle to land in double figures, tallying 11 points while grabbing six rebounds.

Junior forward Mary Copeland finished second on the team with eight rebounds while Kaelyn Johnson recorded nine points and six rebounds off the bench. 

Mount Mercy's defense forced 15 Central turnovers and held just a slight edge on the glass, outrebounding the Eagles, 46-45. 

CMU will next travel to Canton, Missouri to face Culver-Stockton College on Wednesday, Jan. 8.

Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. from Joe Charles Fieldhouse.

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