FAYETTE, Mo. – The Central Methodist University men's basketball team was unable to hold off a second half comeback by Mount Mercy at home on Wednesday evening.
The Eagles made a statement early after rattling off a 14-2 early in the first half, using the momentum to build up a 13 point cushion and keep Mount Mercy scoreless throughout a seven minute stretch. Central held a double-digit advantage at the intermission, leading 34-24 at the break.
Teams began trading baskets after the break, but CMU lost the lead midway through the half when the Mustangs strung together a 15-0 run after sinking five consecutive three-pointers. The final seven minutes of play was a back-and-forth battle, but Mount Mercy put the game out of reach with efficient shooting from the foul line.
James Byrd II (SR/Kansas City, Mo.) led Central offensively with 21 points after going 7-for-12 from the floor. Teammates Josh Robinson (SR/Normal, Ill.), Rijnard Hartman (JR/Magaliesburg, South Africa), and Seth Stegeman (SR/Jefferson City, Mo.) also finished the contest in double figures.
BY THE BOX:
- Teams were nearly even on the night as Central shot 40 percent from the field and the Mustangs shot 45 percent
- Mount Mercy won the rebounding battle at a 45-31 margin
- Both teams saw limited opportunities from the charity stripe, combining for just 17 total attempts on the night
- Central forced MMU to commit 18 turnovers, converting for 19 points on the other end
NOTABLE PERFORMERS:
- James Byrd II – 21 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals
- Josh Robinson – 12 points, 5 assists
- Rijnard Hartman – 11 points, 10 rebounds
- Seth Stegeman – 10 bench points, 4-4 from the field, 2-2 3PT
UP NEXT:
The Eagles will hit the road for a trip to Peru State on Saturday, February 15th. Game time is set for 4 PM in Peru, Neb.
