Fayette, Mo. - The Central Methodist Women's Basketball program dropped a Thursday night non-conference game to cross-town rival (RV) Columbia College inside Puckett Field House. 

Central fell to the Cougars by a final score of 79-64, dropping their overall record to 2-2. CC improves to 3-0 in early non-conference action. 

The Eagles hung tough with the Cougars in the opening frame, as Columbia held just a 15-14 lead at the end of the first quarter. 

A big second quarter from CC saw them score 25 points, while holding the Eagles to just 13. Central trailed, 40-27 at the end of the first half. 

Columbia continued to cruise in the latter stages of the game, outscoring CMU 26-20 in the third. Central got the better of CC in the final frame, 17-13. But the deficit was too far to overcome, as CMU fell by 15 points. 

Sophomore guard Nautica Washington led the Eagles in scoring with 18 points on six-of-14 shooting from the floor which included three threes. 

She added seven rebounds, four steals, two blocks, and two assists to her statline. 

Both Tayla Robinson and Alina Riley chipped in 11 points apiece, with Riley converting three three-point baskets and Robinson two. 

Columbia did a majority of its damage from the block, outrebounding Central 47-33. The Cougars also had excellent ball movement, recording assists on 22 of its 30 made baskets. 

CMU's defense pressure proved to be a challenge for CC, as the Eagles forced 18 turnovers on 11 steals. Both Asnate Gerke and Kaitlyn Patke each finished the evening with three steals. 

Central continues non-conference action with a matchup against Crowley's Ridge Monday, Nov. 10 at 7:00 p.m. inside Puckett Field House. 

#TakeFlight