SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Central Methodist University men's basketball program used a strong second half to overcome Evangel University in a road battle on Thursday evening.
Central was left trailing by one at the intermission after both teams got off to a sluggish first half start. The Eagles created separation in the second half after rattling off a 21-4 run midway through the frame, building a 15 point cushion with just over ten minutes remaining. Teams exchanged baskets down the stretch but Central closed out the contest strong, never letting the advantage dip below 14 points down the stretch.
James Byrd II (SR/Kansas City, Mo.) led all scorers on the night after a 24 point performance through 29 minutes of play. Byrd went 9-16 from the floor, knocking down six shots from beyond the arc. Kyle McDermed (JR/Frankfort, Ill.), Isaiah Burton (SO/Kansas City, Mo.), and Josh Robinson (SR/Normal, Ill.) each finished in double figures to round out the offensive attack.
INSIDE THE BOX:
- Teams were nearly even from the floor, but Central dominated from long range after shooting 44% while holding Evangel to just 17%
- CMU won the battle of the boards at a 36-31 margin, finishing +5 in the defensive rebounds column
- The Eagles forced 12 turnovers in the contest and finished just shy of a season-high in the assists column after dishing out 20 helpers
NOTABLE PERFORMERS:
- James Byrd II – 24 points, 5 assists
- Kyle McDermed – 15 points
- Isaiah Burton – 14 points, 7 rebounds, 100% shooting on the night (6-6 FG, 1-1 3PT, 1-1 FT)
- Josh Robinson – 13 points, 11 rebounds
UP NEXT:
The Eagles will head north for a contest at Graceland University on Saturday, February 8th. Tipoff is set for 4 PM in Lamoni, Iowa.
