Fayette, Mo. - The Central Methodist Women's Basketball team fell two possessions short of a victory at home against Culver-Stockton, 71-66 Wednesday night.
Central now stands at 8-19 and 5-18 in the Heart, while Culver improves to 13-14 and 10-13 in conference action.
Mary Copeland gave the Eagles a 6-3 lead with over eight minutes to play after a pair of made free throws. However, the Wildcats responded with back-to-back field goals to regain the lead.
With 28 seconds remaining, Culver's Destini Rogers knocked down a mid-range jumper to put CS-C up by four. Nine seconds later Olivia Hopp did the same, giving the the visitors a 17-11 lead.
Bianca Bindzus knocked down a deep ball to cut the deficit to three just before the first quarter expired.
Sharay Trotter got the scoring started in the second quarter, converting on a pair of free-throws to put CMU within one. But the Wildcats began to extend their lead, gaining a 24-16 advantage at the 7:44 mark of the second.
Almost halfway through the quarter, Tristan Porter sank a three-point basket to put the Eagles within striking distance. With 40 seconds left, Porter knocked down a clutch two to give Central a 31-30 lead.
Culver responded almost instantly, knocking down a shot from three to close out the half with a 33-31 advantage.
Central would take a slim 38-37 lead midway through the third quarter, before Culver closed the frame on a 15-4 scoring run to go up by double digits.
The Eagles clawed their way back in the final quarter and found themselves down by just three with 15 seconds left. CMU was forced to foul, and the Wildcats would convert crucial free-throws to secure a 71-66 victory on the road.
Trotter led all scorers with 20 points, shooting eight-of-12 from the floor and four-for-four from the charity stripe.
Nautica Washington and Porter posted double-digit scoring nights with 11 points each. Washington dished out five assists while Porter had four boards.
Kaelyn Johnson controlled the glass with a game leading seven rebounds.
The Eagles will return to action Saturday, Feb. 22 playing host to Mount Mercy for senior day. Tip-off is set for 12:00 p.m. from Puckett Field House.
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