Canton, Mo. - The Central Methodist Women's basketball team hit the road once again before returning home for the first time in 2025, this time against Culver-Stockton College Wednesday night in Canton, Mo. 

Central fell to the Wildcats by a final score of 81-73. 

CMU now stands at 6-10 and 3-9 in the Heart of America, while CS-C improves to 8-6 and 5-5 in conference action. 

The Eagles held a dominant lead in the opening quarter, outscoring the Wildcats 15-5 in the first six minutes of play. The offense was slowed in the final minutes, ultimately ending the opening quarter trailing 20-19. 

The Wildcats came out with a stingy defense in the second quarter, holding Central to just seven points. 

After heading into the halftime 38-26, CMU came out more aggresive in the third quarter. 

Nautica Washington led the way, going three-for-four from the floor with seven points, three assists, and a steal. Sharay Trotter also had an impressive quarter, adding six points while shooting 75 percent from the floor. 

Despite CMU outscoring Culver-Stockton 27-22 in the third, the Eagles still trailed 60-53 heading into the fourth.

Sa'Mya Stevens came up big in the final frame with nine points, going perfect from the floor and making the most of her four free thrown attempts.

Despite her excellent quarter, the Eagles' defense was unable to get key stops as the Wildcats offense continued to score, ultimately defeating Central by eight points. 

In total, the duo of Stevens and Washington both reached double figures, scoring 23 and 18 points respectively. 

Tristan Porter nearly cracked double figures with nine points. 

As a team, the Eagles shot nearly 50 percent from the floor and went a perfect eight-for-eight from the charity stripe. 

Culver made 16 more trips to the free throw line than Central and knocked down 11-of-23 three point attempts. 

CMU will shift gears and prepare for their first home game of 2025 Saturday, Jan. 10 at 2:00 p.m. against the William Penn Statesmen.

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