Fayette, Mo. - The No. 1 Central Methodist Women's Basketball program began postseason action with authority, defeating No. 8 seeded Baker in the Heart Tournament Quarterfinals, 95-34 Wednesday night inside Puckett Field House. 

The Eagles improve their overall record to 29-0, and advance to the Heart Semifinals. Baker sees its season come to an end with a final record of 13-15. The 61-point win marks Central's largest margin of victory this season. 

Central outscored Baker by double-digits in addition to holding the Wildcats to single-digits in three of four quarters of action.

CMU shot over 50-percent from the field and drained six threes, leading the game from start to finish. 

Leianya Massenat led the CMU offense with 24 points along with four steals, three rebounds, and three assists. Leah Johnson joined Massenat with 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds to nearly earn a double-double. 

Taliyah Carter had a solid night off the bench, netting 11 points while grabbing seven rebounds, and picking up a steal and an assist. Jaicia Canady was the final Eagle to land in double figures with 10 points in addition to five steals, four assists, and a rebound. 

Daryna Bachkarova, Audrey Graham, and Natalia Shpegel each chipped in seven points. 

Central's defense suffocated the Wildcats, holding Baker to just 22.9 percent from the floor which included just two three-point baskets. The Eagles forced 33 BU turnovers and won the battle of the boards, 48-29. 

CMU will next face No. 5 seeded Culver-Stockton College in the semifinals of the Heart tournament Friday, Feb. 24 at 7:00 p.m. inside Puckett Field House. 

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