Fayette, Mo. - The Central Methodist's Men's Basketball team fell to Graceland, 63-56, after tightly contested second half Saturday evening inside Puckett Field House. 

Central is now 12-11 and 9-10 in the Heart of America, while GU improves to 19-3 and 15-3 in conference action. 

After an early lead for Central, GU began to close the gap, ultimately taking a 22-12 lead with just over four minutes remaining in the first half.

The Eagles remained within striking distance, as senior guard Marcus Anthony knocked down the final shot of the half to cut the deficit to 27-22.

With a five point lead, Graceland converted a three on their first offensive possession push their lead to seven.

Central would rally, scoring six unanswered points to pull within one. 

Both teams continued trading baskets, but GU never surrendered its lead, leading by as many as 15 points on two different ocassions. 

With under two minutes remaining, Anthony kept Central close, knocking down a pair of threes to keep the deficit to single-digits. 

Despite the late resurgence, Graceland was able to fend of the comeback to secure a seven point win. 

Anthony led all scorers with 14 points. Additionally, he added four rebounds, two assists, and a steal. 

Bol Tong was the only other Eagle to land in double figures, finishing with 11 points, seven rebounds, one assist, and one steal.

Central concluded the night shooting 35.9 percent from the floor and 20 percent from three. 

The Eagles edged Graceland on the glass, outrebounding the Yellowjackets 42-38.

CMU continues a tough stretch of conference play with a matchup against first place Baker University Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m. in Baldwin City, Kan. 

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