FAYETTE, Mo. - A last-second three-point attempt by Alex Barner rimmed in and out as Graceland held on to defeat Central Methodist, 65-62, on Thursday inside Puckett Field House.

The Runnin' Eagles (7-7, 1-3 Heart of America Athletic Conference) opened the game on a 7-0 run, highlighted by a fastbreak two-handed flush from Barner.� The Yellowjackets (9-6, 1-3 HAAC) responded and took a 10-7 lead off two free throws by Jamal Lawson.

A bucket by Central Methodist's Evan Lavery at the 10:59 mark gave his team a 19-18 upper hand. Five minutes later, Graceland's Brad Burgus nailed a trey to give the visitors a 25-23 lead which later stretched to six points after a bucket by Burgus.

The Runnin' Eagles responded, as a shot from behind the arc by Eric Franklin made the score 31-29 in favor of the home team at the 1:58 mark. A Mike Regan field goal gave Central Methodist a 36-31 advantage, but Chris Henderson hit a three as time expired to cut the deficit to two points at intermission.

Two free throws by Henderson gave the Yellowjackets a 42-38 lead five minutes into the second half. Lowery hit a bucket in the paint to knot the game at 50 with 7:37 left in the game.

The contest remained close down the stretch as neither team led by more than three points. Tillman converted a pair of free throws with six seconds left to make the score 63-62 with Graceland holding the edge, but his team would get no closer.

Burgus led all scorers with 22 points. Lawson added 16.

Central Methodist's Elliott Black posted a team-high 15 points in the game. Tillman added 12. Barner and Lavery recorded 10 apiece.

The Yellowjackets shot 24-of-47 (51.1%) from the field. The Runnin' Eagles�were 21-of-53 (39.6%)�after 40 minutes of play.

Central Methodist will travel to Avila on Saturday, Jan. 7. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m.