Marshall, Mo. - Despite overcoming a 20-point first half deficit, the Central Methodist Men's Basketball team fell just short to rival Missouri Valley College, 87-83 Saturday afternoon in Marshall, Mo. 

With the loss, Central falls to 8-8 and 5-5 in the Heart. Missouri Valley improves to 5-12 and 3-8 in conference play. 

The Eagles found themselves in an early hole in the first half, as the Vikings led by as many as 22 points. Central was held to just 30-percent shooting compared to 50-percent from MVC. 

Coming out of the halftime break trailing 47-27, the Eagles outscored Missouri Valley 56-40 in the second half. Central trimmed the deficit to as few as two points with under a minute remaining. 

Following a Vikings' turnover, Central had a chance to tie or take the lead, trailing 85-83 with seconds remaining. However, Missouri Valley's defense held strong on the final possession, forcing a missed Central jumper and coming away with the rebound. The Vikings converted two free throws in the closing moments to seal the four-point win. 

James Jordan scored a game-high 25 points on seven-of-17 shooting from the floor in 33 minutes of action. The graduate transfer also added four rebounds, three assists, and three steals to his stat line. 

Everett Stubblefield finished the afternoon with 20 points in 38 minutes played, while Marcus Anthony rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points. 

The Vikings won the battle of the boards, outrebounding Central 44-36. In addition, Missouri Valley shot 48.4-percent from the floor compared to 41.4-percent for the Eagles. 

Central will next face the Evangel Valor Monday, Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in Springfield, Mo. 

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