Posted: Feb 06, 2015
#23 Benedictine (17-6, 10-1) at Central Methodist (11-9, 3-8)
Saturday, Feb. 7 - 2 p.m. CT
Fayette, Mo. - Puckett Field House
Promotion: Faculty Appreciation Day
Live Video, Audio and Stats: CMUEagles.com
Talent: Quintin Norris, play-by-play; Tony Shipp, analyst
Twitter: @cmueagles (#CMUWvsBC)
FAYETTE, Mo. - Central Methodist hosts No. 23 Benedictine (Kan.) in Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) action Saturday at 2 p.m. CT. Saturday's tilt marks the third contest in a four-game home stand in Puckett Field House for coach James Arnold's squad.
Fans can follow the game via live video, audio and statistics online and through updates on Central Methodist's Twitter account (@cmueagles). Quintin Norris and Tony Shipp will have the call beginning 10 minutes prior to tip.
Saturday is "Faculty Appreciation Day" inside Puckett Field House. This year's graduating seniors from each sport's team each nominated one Central Methodist faculty or staff member that has made a major impact on their time in Fayette. At halftime, all of the men's seniors and their nominated person will be recognized.�
The Ravens own the league's longest active win streak at six and have gone 9-2 since the first matchup between the two squads Dec. 13, 2014, a five-point Benedictine win in Atchison, Kan., in which the Ravens rallied from a seven-point halftime deficit. In the first matchup, Benedictine made nine more free throws (16-of-25) than Central Methodist attempted (7-of-7). In conference play, the Ravens have converted 22 more free throws (168) than opponents have attempted (142).
Benedictine ranks third in NAIA Division I in free throw percentage (0.741), 23rd in 3-point field goals made (141), 32nd in scoring defense per game (61.6) and 33rd in rebound defense (36.8). Chayla Rutledge is 23rd in free throw percentage (0.813) and 50th in points per game (14.5). Ali Taff ranks 33rd in assists (81). Jackie Ziesel is 43rd in 3-point field goal percentage (0.364).
Central Methodist Notes
Coach James Arnold is looking for his first win inside Puckett Field House against Benedictine, where he attended graduate school. The Eagles have not defeated the Ravens in Fayette since Feb. 20, 2010, a 59-56 decision.
The Eagles and Ravens have alternated wins in their last four matchups.
Central Methodist is 18-2 in the last two seasons when hitting at least 10 3-point shots.�
The Eagles lead NAIA Division I in 3-point field goals made per game (8.7) and rank fourth in defensive rebounds per game (31.6), fifth in free throw percentage (0.735), sixth in rebound margin (12.0), eight in 3-point field goal percentage defense (0.262), assists per game (16.9) and field goal percentage (0.450), ninth in 3-point field goal percentage (0.357), 13th in rebounds per game (44.9) and field goal percentage defense (0.349), 17th in scoring offense per game (75.3) and scoring margin (13.9), 25th in assist/turnover ratio (0.949) and 30th in scoring defense per game (61.4).
Morgan Vetter leads NAIA Division I in 3-point field goals made (83), while Taylor McDowell is ninth (59). Jesse Ellis leads the nation in free throw percentage (0.879) and ranks 41st in defensive rebounds per game (5.1). Taylor Cornelison is fifth in field goal percentage (0.571), 24th in defensive rebounds per game (5.8) and 29th in rebounds per game (8.5). Vetter is 18th in 3-point field goal percentage (0.405), 27th in points per game (16.3) and 48th in field goal percentage (.409). McDowell is 41st in 3-point field goal percentage (0.371).
Vetter has made 210 3-pointers in two seasons in Fayette and is 38 shy of breaking April Smith's career record of 247, set between 1996-2000. The Eagles are 0-3 in the last two seasons when Vetter fails to make at least one bucket from distance in a game.
The Eagles have won 11 of their last 12 contests when Burgandie Lewis gets at least six rebounds and are 19-4 in the last two seasons in such instances.
Central Methodist is 32-2 in its last 34 games when holding opponents to 60 points or less.
The Eagles are 24-8 in the last three seasons when making at least 15 free throws in a game and have won eight of the last 10 such instances.
Central Methodist is 10-1 this season when dishing out 16 or more assists and 7-0 when making 30 or more baskets in a game.
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