Baldwin City, Kan. - Behind two 20-point scoring performances and a double-double, the Central Methodist women's basketball team picked up a 90-74 road victory over Baker University, Wednesday night in Baldwin City, Kan.
With the win, the Eagles improve to 8-5 overall and 7-5 in conference play while Baker falls to 8-7 and 6-6 in the Heart. CMU also now claims sole possession of third place in the Heart South Division standings, just two games back of (RV) Benedictine for second place.
The Eagles jumped out in front quickly as Daryna Bachkarova opened the first quarter with a three-point basket followed by a bucket from Natalia Shpegel in the first two possessions. The score remained close throughout the first five minutes before Central went on a 13-0 scoring run to take control and a double-digit lead. Baker responded with a 9-2 scoring run to close the quarter, trimming Central's lead to 25-22.
BU began the second frame with renewed energy, ultimately tying and taking a seven-point lead over CMU. The Eagles responded, and less than two minutes after trailing by seven, battled back to tie the ball game, regain momentum, and a narrow 35-33 lead. The offense kept rolling in the closing minutes of the half, entering the locker room with a 43-35 lead.
The third quarter is where the Eagles did the most damage, outscoring the Wildcats 27-18. Despite Baker winning the final quarter, 21-20, Central would come away with the 16-point victory. It also marked CMU's fourth game this season in which the offense scored at least 90 points.
Freshman guard Leaianya Massenat scored 20 or more points for the fourth straight game, recording a game-high 25 points on nine-of-19 shooting from the field including four three-point baskets. She also added four rebounds and three assists, playing every available minute for the Eagles.
Fellow freshman Leah Johnson followed with 21 points and a game-high 14 rebounds, good enough to earn the New Jersey native another double-double. Bachkarova nearly reached 20 points, finishing the evening with 19 including three assists, two steals, two rebounds, and a block. Like Massenat, Bachkarova played every minute.
Daesjah Ely appeared in her second straight game, recording eight points and three rebounds in only 13 minutes of action.
As a team, the Eagles shot 45.3-percent from the floor and 32-percent from beyond the arc. They also claimed the battle of the boards, grabbing 43 rebounds compared to 40 for the Wildcats. The Central defense forced 20 Baker turnovers on eight steals.
CMU dished out 15 assists on 34 of their made baskets, as senior guard Zaria Jones led all players with a game-high five assists.
The Eagles continue their three-game road swing with a trip to Grand View University, where they will square off with the Vikings on Saturday, Jan. 23 at 2:00 p.m. in Des Moines, Iowa.
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