Marshall, Mo. – The 14th ranked Central Methodist University women's basketball team's losing skid has now hit a season high three game, following their loss Saturday at Missouri Valley College by a final of 78-63.
With the loss, the 14th ranked Eagles fall to 18-8 overall and 14-8 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play. With the victory, Missouri Valley College improves to 11-14 overall and 7-14 in The Heart.
"We started the game with a lack of intensity and interest," said CMU head women's basketball coach Mike Davis. "We have too much talent to be playing this way. As a coaching staff, we have to get our players better prepared for each game. This is on me."
DaJonee Hale (JR/Anchorage, Alaska) started the game off on the right foot for Central Methodist, knocking down a three-pointer just 18 seconds into the game to give CMU the early 3-0 lead. That was the only lead the Eagles would have the entire game. Missouri Valley struck for the next eight straight points and never looked back. Missouri Valley College outscored Central 26-12 after a quarter of play and would continue their dominance in the second quarter as well.
In that second quarter, Central Methodist was outscored 19-10, while playing their reserves for the entire quarter. At halftime, CMU trailed 45-22.
The Eagles had a strong showing in the third quarter, outscoring Missouri Valley College 25-13; while trying to mount a comeback. CMU shot 10-for-17 from the field in the quarter, and outrebounded the Vikings 11-5. The Central defense also locked down, holding Missouri Valley to 3-of-12 shooting from the field. MVC did convert on six of their eight free-throws though.
In the fourth quarter, Central kept it close, but was outscored 20-16 and dropped the game by a final of 78-63.
In the loss, DaJonee Hale led Central with 25 points on 10-of-18 shooting, along with six rebounds, one assist, one block, and one steal. Jerica Nelson (SO/Kodiak, Alaska) chimed in with 11 points off the bench and Lexie Moe (SO/St. Peters, Mo.) finished with seven points, nine rebounds, two blocks and an assist in the game.
The 14th ranked Eagles return to action on Wednesday, when they travel north to face Peru State College in Nebraska. The women's game is scheduled to begin at 5:30pm, with the men's game to follow at 7:30pm.
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.
