The Central Methodist men's basketball team suffered an 81-66 loss to MidAmerica Nazarene University Saturday. The Eagles rallied back from double digit deficits throughout the game but were unable to hang on.
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After a slow start, CMU was able to tie the game at 22 with six minutes to go in the first half but costly mistakes on the Eagles sent the Pioneers into the break leading 41-31. MidAmerica remained in control of the second half, building their lead to 15 points.

CMU shot 45 from the line while MidAmerica Nazarene shot 50 percent. The Eagles struggled at the three-point line, hitting just 3 of 18 while the Pioneers shot 5 of 9. CMU forced 16 turnovers and had 28 rebounds on the night.

Junior Elliott Black (St. Louis, Mo.) led the team with 24 points. He also had four rebounds. Junior Robert Mason (Kansas City, Kan.) had ten points on the night while junior Eric Franklin (Columbia, Mo.) had eight points and three assists.
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Central Methodist falls to 5-6 while MidAmerica Nazarene improves to 8-5. Next up, the Eagles are scheduled to play the Division I Demons of Northwestern State University Dec. 19 in Natchitoches, La. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.