Fayette, Mo. - The Central Methodist University men's basketball team once again kept it close with their opponent throughout the game, but faltered late and dropped their tilt Saturday afternoon to 24th ranked Peru State College 85-80.

With the loss, the Central Methodist University Eagles drop their sixth straight game and falls to 10-10 overall and 4-8 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play. With the victory, the 24^th ranked Peru State College Bobcats improve to 12-7 overall and 9-3 in The Heart.

Saturday's contest between the Bobcats and Eagles was a fast paced and close throughout. Central Methodist kept pace with the 24^th ranked Bobcats in the first half, as Peru State shot 50% from the field and the Eagles shot 48%. CMU benefited from Peru State shooting 5-of-14 from beyond the three-point arc in the first half, while the Eagles shot 4-of-9. Bobcat guard Jamar Cannon hit a three-pointer as time expired to give Peru State a 45-42 lead at halftime.

In the second half, the Eagles continued to hang with Peru State and the teams would exchange buckets, and the lead. Central Methodist struggled to shoot the ball from the field and the free-throw line in the final five minutes, and Peru State was able to pull away and hang on for the 85-80 victory.

In the loss, three Eagles scored in double-figures, led by Ron Lee's 27 points. Lee shot 9-of-14 from the field and finished with three rebounds, an assist, and a steal while playing all 40 minutes.

The Eagles hit the road this Wednesday to face Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri. The men's game is scheduled for 7:30pm, with the women's game to precede them at 5:30pm.

For more information about Central Methodist University athletics, visit http://www.cmueagles.com. Follow CMU athletics on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cmathletics and on Twitter twitter.com/cmueagles.