MARSHALL, Mo. - The Central Methodist men's basketball team was defeated on the road at Missouri Valley, 55-41, on Thursday night in Heart of America Athletic Conference action.

The Runnin' Eagles (7-9, 1-5 HAAC) Robert Mason opened the game with a three-pointer to give his team an early three-point advantage. Alex Barner was given an assist on the opening bucket. Elliott Black gave Central Methodist a 6-5 lead after converting one of two free throws, but�the Vikings (7-9, 3-2 HAAC)�grabbed the lead on the next possession and never trailed again.

The Runnin' Eagles cut a double-digit deficit to four points, 27-23, with 16:18 left in the game off a trey by Evan Lavery, but could get no closer.

Mason and Lavery finished with 10 points apiece. Mike Regan added six. Barner totaled a game-high eight rebounds.

Michael Connor finished with a game-high 19 points for the Vikings. David Yadrich and Bryan Corley each had seven.

The Runnin' Eagles shot 14-of-48 (29.2%) from the field. The Eagles were 20-of-55 (36.4%) from the floor.

Central Methodist will host Benedictine on Saturday, Jan. 14. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m.