Marshall, Mo. - The Central Methodist women's basketball team opened Heart of America Athletic Conference play with a 79-73 win over Missouri Valley College, Wednesday night in Marshall, Mo. 

With the win, the Eagles improve to 2-0 and 1-0 in conference action, while the Vikings fall to 1-1 and 0-1 in Heart play. 

Both squads were tied at 16-16 at the end of the first quarter before Missouri Valley took a narrow 35-32 lead into the locker room. Central outscored MVC, 20-18, before regaining the lead in the fourth and pulling away for a six-point victory. CMU outscored the Vikings 27-20 in the final frame. 

Freshman guard Leaianya Massenat scored 20-plus points for the second straight contest, recording 29 points to go along with eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals. R'Manie Pulling followed closely behind with 22 points on six-of-18 from the field including five three-point baskets. She also added four rebounds, two assists, and four steals. 

Michelle Nicholls was the final Eagle to reach double figures, scoring 15 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, earning a double-double. 

As a team, the Eagles converted on nine-of-27 baskets from beyond the arc, good enough for 33.3-percent. Central also shot 72.2-percent from the charity stripe, knocking down 26 free throws. 

The CMU defense forced 20 Missouri Valley turnovers on 11 steals and converted on 26 points off turnovers. Central also won the battle of the boards, grabbing 47 rebounds compared to 44 for MVC. 20 of the Eagles' 47 rebounds came on the offensive glass. 

Central will next travel to MidAmerica Nazarene for a matchup on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 2:00 p.m. in Olathe, Kan. 

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