Greg Jackson's postgame report, Avila

FAYETTE, Mo. - Taylor McDowell shot 5-of-9 from 3-point range Saturday to lead Central Methodist to its sixth-straight win over Avila, 67-57, inside Puckett Field House. With the triumph, coach James Arnold's team ends a five-game losing streak to Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) foes.

Central Methodist (13-11, 4-10) broke the ninth tie of the contest with a 9-0 run, starting with a Chelsea Pannier bucket from distance at the 14:37 mark of the second half. The Green and Black's lead swelled to 12 with 3:09 to play after McDowell scored consecutive 3-pointers.

Avila (8-15, 3-12), which has lost six-straight overall and as many consecutive road games, held a 36-33 lead at halftime on the strength of 54.2 percent (13-of-24) shooting from the floor. The visitors used a 6-0 run to take a 24-18 advantage at the 8:36 mark after Kelsey McConnell went coast-to-coast for a fastbreak layup.�

Central Methodist's defense answered the bell in the final 20 minutes, limiting Avila to just 29.2 percent (7-of-24) from the field.

Morgan Vetter scored 12 points, all from 3-point land, in the win to move within 21 treys of breaking April Smith's school career record. Jesse Ellis added nine points, a game-high six assists and two steals. Pannier tallied eight points, six rebounds and five assists. Burgandie Lewis pulled down five rebounds.

Central Methodist totaled 18 assists on 23 made baskets and turned 20 Avila turnovers into 16 points. Arnold's group also outscored Avila 13-4 in transition and got 29 points from the bench, led by McDowell's 15.

Luci Sarcone led Avila with 18 points. Michaela Brinkley and Hannah Long each scored 10 points in the loss. Brinkley also had eight rebounds and four assists. Avila played its second-straight game without HAAC leading scorer and rebounder Rebekah Capeder due to an ankle injury.�

Central Methodist heads to Evangel (Mo.) on Thursday, Feb. 19, for a 5:30 p.m. CT tip-off in the second matchup between the squads. The Eagles blitzed the Crusaders, 80-51, on Jan. 15 in Fayette.