Fayette, Mo. - The Central Methodist Men's Basketball team suffered a heartbreaking loss Tuesday night inside Puckett Field House, falling to Peru State on a last-second buzzer-beater, 82-81.

CMU now stands at 7-7 and 4-6 in conference action, while Peru State improves to 10-2 and 6-2 in the Heart of America. 

The Eagles got off to a strong start in the first half, leading for the entirety of the opening 20 minutes. 

The Bobcats came out of the locker room with a spark, taking their first lead of the game within the first eight minutes of the second half.

After that point, both teams were even in the final 12 minutes, exchanging leads on a number of occasions. 

With 13 seconds left, the Bobcats held an 80-79 lead. The Eagles had an inbound opportunity and Marcus Anthony capitalized, nailing a two-point basket to put Central out in front 81-80 with 1.6 seconds left. 

Peru, the reigning Heart Tournament Champions, had a chance at the game-winner on the inbound in their own half of the court.

The Bobcats' Carlos Hines converted a jumper on the elbow as time expired to give Peru the 82-81 win. 

Destin Jenkins had his best game of the year, dropping a season-best 28 points on 10-of-16 shooting from the floor, which included three three-point baskets. 

Senior Brandon Tchouya dropped a season-high 25 points with five rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a block. Anthony was the final Eagle to reach double figures, scoring 10 points to go along with seven rounds, two assists, two steals, and a block. 

Kevin James scored seven points in 16 minutes off the bench, while Thomas Sowoolu tallied four points and tied for the team lead with seven rebounds in 21 minutes. 

Central is off until the new year, when they travel to Mount Mercy University to take on the Mustangs Saturday, Jan. 4 at 2:00 p.m. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

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