An explosive second half by top-seeded and nationally-ranked No. 1 Central Methodist University propelled the Lady Eagles past 16^th-seeded Haskell University 84-56 in the NAIA National Tournament opening round Tuesday night in Puckett Fieldhouse.

CMU, now 32-0, will next face eighth-seeded Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.) tonight for a chance to advance to the Round of 16 at the final site in Sioux City, Iowa, on Monday afternoon.

Central entered Tuesday’s contest eight days after winning the Heart postseason tournament. Coach Mike Davis said that week off led to a slow start against Haskell.

“We weren’t game ready,” he said.

After taking a 10-point lead after one quarter, the Lady Eagles allowed Haskell to come back in the second quarter. The Fighting Indians outscored CMU 23-18 with a string of 3-pointers late in the second period to close the deficit to five points at halftime.

It was the only quarter Haskell had won in three matchups this season between the two teams.

“I didn’t think we came out as expected,” said junior starting guard Jaicia Canady. “But we definitely found a way and had a talk at halftime. We came out with a different mindset and ready to go in the second half.”

The Lady Eagles returned to their characteristic style of high-octane play in the third quarter, all but putting the game away with 27 points while holding Haskell to 10.

“National tournaments are a different beast. It’s the last game of the year if you don’t win it,” said Coach Davis. “Sixty-four teams went in today with a chance to win a national championship. And right now, there are 32 teams left. When you’re one of those 32, you’re doing anything you can to get another day.”

The Eagles cruised in the final quarter with a sizable lead to come away with the 35-point victory.

Central finished with five starters in double figures, including three with double-doubles. Senior Daryna Bachkarova led the way with 20 points on 8-for-18 shooting from the floor and two 3-point baskets. She also grabbed 10 rebounds, recorded three blocks, and dished out two assists. 

Sophomore guard Leianya Massenat followed with 16 points, eight rebounds, four steals, and an assist. Sophomore forward Leah Johnson secured another double-double with 13 points, a game-high 13 rebounds, with four steals, and three assists. Canady stuffed the stat sheet with 11 points, 10 rebounds, two steals, a block, and an assist for CMU’s third double-double of the night. 

Sophomore guard Zutorya Cook rounded out the double-digit scorers for Central with 10 points in addition to eight rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block. 

Senior guard Natalia Shpegel chipped in six points, four steals, three rebounds, and an assist off the bench. Senior Robin Beck and freshman Taliyah Carter each added four points.

CMU controlled the glass from start to finish, grabbing 68 rebounds compared to 41 for Haskell. Twenty-five of Central’s boards came on the offensive glass. 

The Eagles’ defense forced 20 Haskell turnovers on 16 steals. Haskell finished the night knocking down nine 3-point baskets, compared to three for CMU. 

Central shot well from the free-throw line, converting on 19 of 25 attempts. Haskell finished 10-for-20 from the line.

Jaelyn Two Hearts led two Haskell starters in double figures with 13 points. Miracle Spotted Bear added 12. Grace Tahahwah finished with 13 points off the bench.

Haskell concludes its season with a final record of 15-17. Tuesday’s game marked the third meeting between the two programs this season, with CMU handily winning all three matchups.

Each bout with Haskell marked the beginning of a new season chapter for both teams. They opened the season against one another on Halloween night in Fayette, then kicked off second-semester play on January 2 in a game at Haskell. Monday’s game was the first game of the National Tournament for both teams.

“One thing they do is get you ready for your next game,” Davis said after Monday’s game. “Haskell is a difficult team to play. I do nothing but take my hat off to that team. Those young ladies play as hard as any team can play.”

Monday’s win sets a new school record in season wins for CMU. Last year’s total of 31 wins matched the benchmark set in 2020.  

Central will fight to take its perfect record into the Round of 16 in the Second Round against Dakota Wesleyan tonight. Once again, the Lady Eagles hold the honor of playing in front of their home crowd.

Dakota defeated night-seeded Hope International 85-56 on Monday to advance to the Second Round.

When asked what Central must do to win tonight’s game, Massenat summed it up with two words. “Be us.”

Tonight’s tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Puckett Fieldhouse.