Fayette, Mo. - The Central Methodist Women's Basketball program fell just short to Clarke University, 66-61, Saturday afternoon inside Puckett Field House. 

Central moves to 7-14 and 4-13 in the Heart, while the Pride improve to 9-10, 7-9 in conference.

The Eagles got off to a dominant start, taking a nine-point lead over CU with just 3:53 left in the first. 

Clarke would regroup, ending the quarter on a 9-2 scoring run and cutting Central's lead to 20-18 at the conclusion first. 

Both teams traded leads in the second quarter. Central took a 30-29 lead following a Sharay Trotter two-point basket with 2:15 left. 

Trotter added a pair of freethrows, helping Central hold a narrow 32-31 lead at the halftime break. 

CMU increased their lead to three in the third, as Kayhla Adams continued her impressive shooting performance in the early stages of the third. 

The Pride, however, kept pace all throughout the quarter, as both teams posted 16 points. 

Trailing by one at the start of the fourth, Clarke converted a pair of free throws to take a 49-48 lead. From that point on the Pride never looked back, holding a narrow advantage all the way until the final whistle.

Adams had one of her best games of the year, scoring 19 points on 50 percent shooting from the floor. She also led Central with six assists. 

Kaelyn Johnson had a solid outing, finishing the afternoon with 13 points, eight rebounds, and a steal. 

Tristan Porter was exceptional on the glass, grabbing 10 total rebounds to lead the way for Central. 

As a team, CMU shot 40.4 percent from the floor which included six three-point baskets. The Eagles held a slight advantage on the glass, outrebounding Clarke, 38-37. 

Central struggled from the charity stripe, converting just 14-of-23 attempts. 

CMU will make the short trip west to Marshall to square off against Missouri Valley College Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 5:30 p.m.

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