Fayette, Mo. — The Central Methodist Women's Basketball team dropped a tightly contested game to Grand View Saturday afternoon inside Puckett Field House, 76-71.

With the loss, CMU moves to 15-11 overall and 10-8 in the Heart of America Conference, while the Vikings improve to 20-7 and 17-2 in league play.

The Eagles trailed 13-19 at the end of the first frame but responded with a strong second quarter, scoring 24 points to cut Grand View's lead to just two heading into the locker room.

The two teams traded baskets throughout the second half, but the Vikings created enough separation down the stretch to secure the five-point victory.

Four of the five starters scored in double digits on the day.

Junior guard Kaelyn Johnson led CMU with 21 points, six rebounds, three blocks, and two steals.

Transfer guard Maizen Williams tallied 15 points with six rebounds, while freshman Tayla Robinson also recorded 15 points, five rebounds, and four assists.

Truman State transfer Kaitlyn Patke was the final Eagle to land in double figures with 10 points, while also adding five assists, four rebounds, and two steals.

Both teams posted comparable shooting performances, with CMU connecting on 41.8 percent of its attempts and MVC finishing at 47.2 percent.

The Eagles remained competitive by forcing 16 Viking turnovers while committing just 11 themselves, creating key opportunities to keep the game close.

Central Methodist returns to action on Wednesday, Feb. 18, when they take on Missouri Baptist inside Puckett Field House at 5:30 p.m.

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