Canton, Mo. The Central Methodist University men's basketball team held off the Culver-Stockton College Wildcats in the final seconds to break their eight game losing streak with a 70-69 victory over the Wildcats in Canton, Missouri. Wednesday evening's game, maked the 1,000th game coached for Eagles head coach Jeff Sherman.
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With the victory, the Eagles improve to 11-12 overall and 5-10 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play. With the loss, Culver-Stockton College falls to 9-14 overall and 5-10 in The Heart.
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The Central Methodist Eagles began their three-game roadtrip on Wednesday evening in search of their first win since the first week of January. The Eagles, as they have done in recent weeks jumped on their opponents early. After a half of play, the Eagles led Culver-Stockton College by a score of 40-32. CMU shot 51% from the field, but struggled at the free-throw line and behind the three-point arc. Culver-Stockton College shot 36% in the first half and 33% from beyond the three-point arc, while never attempting a free-throw.
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In the second half, CMU began to slip and let Culver-Stockton back into the game. CMU shot just 31% from the field, made one of their five three-point attempts, and shot 56% (9-of-16) from the free-throw line.� Culver-Stockton College improved their shooting percentage in the second half, shooting 42% from the field. But the Wildcats continued to struggle from beyond the three-point arc and they only shot 56% from the charity stripe.
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Culver-Stockton tied the game at 69-69 with 24 seconds remaining; after going on an 11-2 scoring run in the final five minutes of play. Following the tie, CMU came down court and guard Jay Jones was fouled. He missed the first free-throw, but hit the second shot to give the Eagles a one point lead. At the other end, the Wildcats took a wide open three with three seconds remaining, but missed to seal the victory for CMU.
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The victory, is just the second win in 2016 for the Eagles, and the first since back on January 6^th when CMU defeated Baker University 79-66. In the win, three players scored in double-figures, led by Cole Adair's 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting off the bench. Marcus Walden scored 13 points and brought in five rebounds. While Mitchell Wendling finishing his evening with 11 points and a team high nine rebounds.
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The Eagles roadtrip continues on Saturday, when CMU travels to Marshall, Missouri to face their rivals; Missouri Valley College. The Lady Eagles will get things started at 2pm, followed by the men at 4pm.
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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. �������
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