DUBUQUE, Iowa — The No. 20 Central Methodist men's basketball team continued a solid start to the conference slate with a victory over Clarke on Wednesday night.

A bucket from Kyle McDermed (JR/Frankfort, Ill.) and two clutch free throws from Josh Robinson (SR/Normal, Ill.) in the final minute clinched a narrow three-point win for the Eagles. McDermed led the team with 24 points and a team-high five three-pointers. Robinson had 16 points and four rebounds.

Rijnard Hartman (JR/Magaliesburg, South Africa) was impressive in the paint, picking up a double-double with 12 points and a team-high 13 rebounds.

Clarke led by as many as 12 points late in the first half, but Central showed resilience with a gutsy comeback in the second half. As a team, the Eagles shot 42%, including 38% from three-point range. Central also out rebounded Clarke, 41-33.

The Eagles will be back in action on Saturday, Nov. 23 against Graceland. Tip-off inside Puckett Fieldhousd is set for 4 pm.