Baldwin City, Kan. – The 13th ranked Central Methodist University women's basketball team traveled on the road Wednesday evening, and completed the season sweep of 10th ranked Baker University, by defeating the Wildcats 80-75 in Baldwin City, Kansas.
With the victory, the 13th ranked Eagles won their eleventh straight game and improve to 16-2 overall and 12-2 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play. With the loss, 10th ranked Baker University falls to 13-4 overall and 11-2 in The Heart. The win moves CMU into a tie for first place in The Heart with Benedictine College, while Baker University sits a half-game back in second place in the conference.
"This was a great team win against the tenth ranked team in the country," said CMU head women's basketball coach Mike Davis. "Our girls really took the scouting report and executed. We will enjoy tonight and then get back to work."
There was a lot of anticipation going into Wednesday's match-up between the 10th and 13th ranked teams, and the jitters showed for both squads. In the first quarter, Central Methodist shot 5-of-14 from the floor, and Baker University shot 5-of-16. After ten minutes of play, the Eagles led the Wildcats 14-12.
In the second quarter, both offenses erupted for 23 points apiece. CMU shot 10-of-18 from the floor, and 3-for-4 from beyond the three-point arc. Baker University shot 9-for-15 from the floor, 2-for-5 from beyond the three-point arc, and 3-for-4 at the free-throw line. At the break, Central led Baker37-35. In the first half however, Baker did outrebound Central 24-12.
The game turned, and turned in favor of the Eagles to begin the second half. Central shot 9-of-14 from the floor and attempted 10 free-throws, knocking down eight in the third quarter. The Eagles defense forced six steals and outrebounded the Wildcats, while outscoring Baker 29-19. Headed to fourth quarter, CMU held a comfortable 66-54 lead.
The Wildcats opened the fourth quarter on a 7-0 run, as they looked to comeback against Central. The Eagles struggled to shoot the ball in the fourth quarter. Finishing 5-of-13 from the field and 0-for-4 from beyond the three-point arc; but CMU did shoot 4-of-8 from the free-throw line. Although the Eagles had their fourth quarter struggles, they were able to buckle down and fight for the tough 80-75 road win.
Three players finished in double-figure scoring for the Eagles, led by Lexie Moe (SO/St. Peters, Mo.)'s 16 points. Moe finished a perfect 6-for-6 at the free-throw line, and also chimed in with five rebounds, two steals, and an assist. Both Ana Borges (JR/Sao Paulo, Brazil) and DaJonee Hale (JR/Anchorage, Alaska) finished with 15 points apiece. Jerica Nelson (SO/Kodiak, Alaska) and Chamira Cockerham (JR/Anchorage, Alaska) added eight points each off the bench for Central.
The 13th ranked Eagles return home this Saturday to host William Penn University; whom are currently receiving votes in the latest NAIA Women's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll. The Eagle women will tip things off at 2pm, followed by the men at 4pm, inside of Puckett Field House.
For more information about Central Methodist University athletics, visit http://www.cmueagles.com. Follow CMU athletics on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cmathletics and on Twitter twitter.com/cmueagles.
