FAYETTE, Mo. – Mercedes Jefflo (JR/Compton, Calif.), Cierra Stanciel (SR/Chicago, Ill.), and Crimson Jones (JR/Flora, Ill.) all scored double digits on Monday night, but it was defense that led the No. 23 Central Methodist University women's basketball team to a 72-61 victory over Mount Mercy after a second quarter slump.

The Eagles (12-6, 8-4 Heart) faced a second quarter slump after being outscored by a 25-9 margin, trailing by thirteen at the intermission.

A strong defensive presence, coupled with a higher team energy, led to the Eagles holding Mount Mercy to a 34.3 shooting percentage from the field while forcing a season-high 32 turnovers in the contest. Six steals by Taylor Victorine (SO/Overland Park, Kan.) and blocks by Shannon Mitchell (SR/Seligman, Mo.), Jones, and Jefflo bolster the defensive stand.

Jefflo led all scorers in the contest, posting a season-high 28 points while Stanciel sunk 13 points after a 3-for-3 showing from beyond the arc. Jones notched her third double-double of the season with 11 points and a season-high of 14 rebounds.

As a team, the Eagles shot 42.2 percent from the field and went 11-for-15 from three-point land. The squad was +10 in the offensive rebounds column, snatched 21 steals, and converted 26 points off turnovers.

Central Methodist will return to action on Wednesday, Jan. 16, with a trip to Baker University. Game time is set for 5:30 pm in Baldwin City, Kan.