Fayette, Mo. - The No. 1 Central Methodist Women's Basketball program cruised past No. 5 seeded Culver-Stockton College 78-54 in the Heart Tournament Semifinals Friday night inside Puckett Field House. 

With the win, the Eagles improve their overall record to 30-0, and punch their ticket to the Heart Championship Monday night. 

After leading by only five at the end of the first quarter, Central's defense tightened up and held Culver-Stockton to nine points in each of the second and third quarters. 

Despite CS-C outscoring Central 23-20 in the final frame, the Eagles' first three quarters of play propelled them to a 24 point victory. 

Zutorya Cook led all scorers with 18 points on eight-of-12 shooting from the floor. She also recorded five steals, four assists, and three rebounds. 

Leianya Massenat followed with 15 points along with four rebounds, three assists, and a steal. 

Daryna Bachkarova was the final Eagle to land in double figures with 13 points in addition to nine rebounds, nearly earning a double-double. She led Central with three three-point baskets and dished out five assists and picked up a steal. 

Robin Beck had a productive night off the bench with nine points, four rebounds, and two assists. 

Leah Johnson nearly secured a double-double with eight points and eight rebounds. 

As a team, CMU shot a cool 51.6 percent from the floor and outrebounded Culver-Stockton, 42-31. The Eagles also had good ball movement, assisting on 24-of-32 made baskets.

No. 1 CMU will host two-time defending champion Clarke in the Heart Tournament Championship Monday, Feb. 27 at 7:00 p.m. in a rematch of last year's championship game. 

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