BALDWIN CITY, Kan. – The No. 23 Central Methodist University women's basketball team took down Baker University in an 85-69 decision, thanks to 62 combined points from Mercedes Jefflo (JR/Compton, Calif.), Crimson Jones (JR/Flora, Ill.), Taylor Victorine (SO/Overland Park, Kan.), and Shannon Mitchell (SR/Seligman, Mo.).

After nine minutes of tight play in the opening quarter, a field goal by Lajanea Kimbrough (SR/Indianapolis, Ind.) put CMU ahead by one, followed by back-to-back three pointers by Jefflo and Victorine to stretch the lead to four to close the first frame. Baker struck early in the second quarter of play with a comeback attempt that forced three ties and seven lead changes, but a go-ahead three by Mitchell gave Central Methodist a lead that they would ride out for the remainder of the game.

Jefflo led the charge with 22 points and five assists, recording a 4-for-7 showing from downtown. Jones was next as she tallied a 19 points, 7 rebounds. Victorine tacked on 11 points and Mitchell finished just shy of a double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds. Tatiana Grant (SR/Milwaukee, Wis.) brought a strong defensive presence off of the bench with one block, three steals, and seven rebounds.

As a team, the Eagles (13-6, 9-4 Heart) racked up 12 steals and forced the Wildcats to commit 21 turnovers. The squad shot 42.3 percent from the field while boasting a 15-for-17 performance from the charity stripe.

Central Methodist will return to action on Saturday, Jan. 19., to host Peru State. Game time is set for 2 pm in Puckett Field House.