Fayette, Mo. - In a rematch of last year's Heart Tournament title game, the No. 1 seeded CMU Women's Basketball program came out on the victorious side of this year's title game, defeating No. 2 seeded Clarke University 82-72 Monday night in front of a packed Puckett Field House.
The Eagles complete the sweep of the Heart Regular Season and Tournament titles, marking the first time since the 2019-20 season. Central improves its perfect record to 31-0, while the Pride now fall to 27-4.
Central stumbled out of the blocks early, as Clarke jumped out to a 7-2 lead in the first 90 seconds of the game. Following a timeout by CMU, the Eagles settled in and ultimately tied the game at 11-11 on a three-point basket from Jaicia Canady.
The first quarter remained back and fourth, with the Eagles holding a slim 24-22 lead entering the second. Central stretched its lead to as many as 10 points, before Clarke trimmed the lead to five in the closing minutes of the half.
A three by Daryna Bachkarova with under 10 seconds remaining pushed CMU's lead to 43-35 at the halftime break.
The Pride outscored Central in the third, 17-15, trimming the deficit to 58-52 entering the final frame. CMU stretched the lead back out to double digits, opening the fourth quarter on a 17-6 scoring run. The Pride chipped away at the lead, making it only an eight point game with over a minute remaining.
However, the Eagles closed the game out with eight consecutive free throw makes, going on to earn a 10 point victory.
Central had a balanced scoring attack from up and down its starting lineup, as each member of the starting five landed in double figures.
Bachkarova led the way with 18 points in a full 40 minutes of action. The senior forward knocked down four three-point baskets and was a perfect six-of-six from the charity stripe. She also added six assists, five rebounds, and three blocks.
Leianya Massenat followed with 17 points in just 22 minutes of action while battling foul trouble throughout the night. She shot five-of-10 from the floor and seven-of-eight from the free throw line.
Jaicia Canady had one of the best games of her career, netting 15 points to go along with six assists and two rebounds. In addition, the junior knocked down two momentum changing three-point baskets.
Leah Johnson finished the night with 14 points, eight rebounds, and a block in just 21 minutes. Zutorya Cook was the final Eagle to land in double figures with 13 points in addition to seven assists, five rebounds, and four steals.
CMU finished the evening shooting 42.4 percent from the floor, 47.1 percent from three, and 85.7 percent from the charity stripe.
Clarke struggled from the free throw line, knocking down only 19-of-31 free throw attempts.
The Pride held a slight advantage on the boards with 41 rebounds compared to 38 for Central.
CMU's run at a national title will continue into national tournament play. The Eagles will host the first and second round of nationals beginning Tuesday, March 7, inside Puckett Field House.
The national tournament field will be announced Thursday, March 3 at 6:00 p.m. on the NAIA's YouTube page.
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