The Basics

Score: Evangel 61, #2 Central Methodist 91

Location: Fayette, Mo. (Puckett Field House) 

Records: Evangel (12-12, 11-8), Central Methodist (24-0, 18-0) 

Box Score 

FAYETTE, Mo. -- After claiming four consecutive wins for just the second time this season, Evangel Women's Basketball hit the road to take on the undefeated Central Methodist Eagles, who were ranked number two in the newest coaches poll that was released on Wednesday morning. Looking to pull off the upset, Evangel had strong first and third quarters, but ultimately were overpowered in the second and fourth quarters, leading to a 91-61 loss.

After an opening basket by Central Methodist, Evangel went on a 6-0 run fueled by baskets from Micah Clayton, Alexis Roach, and Alexis Cauthon. The Eagles were able to retake the lead soon after with a 10-0 run of their own, but the Valor kept the game close. Roach and Clayton were able to narrow CMU's lead down to just three points on two occasions, but the Eagles took a 20-15 lead at the end of the opening quarter.

The second quarter was a battle between both teams with the Eagles finding their strong offensive play. With 6:44 remaining in the quarter, a Jazzy Kirby bucket put the Valor down by just eight points, but this was the final time the Valor would trail by single digits in the remainder of the ball game. Over the next three minutes, Central Methodist went on a 14-2 run that pushed the Eagles ahead by double digits. The Valor would be held scoreless for the final two minutes of the quarter, leading to a 49-27 lead for the Eagles at halftime.

Central Methodist was able to extend their lead to 33 points with 5:37 remaining in the third quarter, but the Valor would continue to fight in the quarter. Back to back baskets by Kohnnar Patton fueled the Valor as Sophie Sparks began to will the Valor on offense, scoring five points in the final four minutes of the quarter, as EU trailed CMU, 70-45, at the end of the third quarter.

Evangel fought to try and narrow down the CMU lead in the fourth quarter. Sparks had a great start to the final frame when she scored back to back baskets, narrowing the Eagle lead to just 21 points. The Valor grew cold from the floor soon after, failing to score baskets to try and fuel a comeback against the nationally ranked squad. By the time the final buzzer had sounded, the Valor had fallen, 91-61.

NOTABLE 

• Cauthon led Evangel in the loss with 10 points.

• Evangel struggled from three in the loss, shooting just 1-16 to CMU's 4-13.

• Roach pulled down a team high six rebounds.

• Evangel was outrebounded 44-42 in the loss, but held an edge over the conference's leading offensive rebounding team, 23-13.

• Central Methodist's 91 points are the most Evangel has allowed by an opposing team this season.

NEXT UP 

Evangel will return home for their final home game of the season on Saturday (Feb. 11) afternoon at noon for senior day against Grand View.

For the latest information on Evangel Athletics, visit Facebook at Facebook.com/EvangelValor, Twitter (@EvangelValor), or EvangelAthletics.com. Fans can also receive updates on their favorite EU teams by downloading the Evangel Athletics Gameday App through the App Store or Google Play.  

—#OneValor—