Fayette, Mo. - The Central Methodist Women's Basketball team fell at home to Graceland, 83-61, Saturday afternoon inside Puckett Field House. 

Central now stands at 7-16 and 4-15 in the Heart of America, while GU improves to 8-14 and 6-12 in conference action. 

Freshman Nautica Washington drained a three-point basket with less than five minutes left in the first quarter, giving Central an 11-6 advantage. 

Graceland adjusted almost immediately, going on a 9-0 run to finish off the quarter with a 21-13 lead. 

GU continued to control the tempo in the second quarter, limiting the Eagles' offense to just 15 points while scoring a game-high 26.

With a 47-28 lead heading into the third quarter, Graceland kept their foot on the gas, out scoring CMU 21-16.

The Eagles bounced back in the final quarter with key performances from Mary Copeland, who tallied 13 points and seven rebounds on the night, and Trishelle Porter, who netted seven points in three minutes off the bench. 

Washington led the Eagles offensively with 16 points, five rebounds, and one assist.

Central struggled offensively, shooting just 32 percent from the floor and 17 percent from behind the arc.

CMU was outstanding from the free throw line, converting, 22-of-23 attempts. 

Additionally, Central won the battle of the boards, outrebounding Graceland 40-31. 

The Eagles head out on the road for a Wednesday night matchup against Baker University Feb. 5 in Baldwin City, Kansas. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.

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