The No. 14 Central Methodist women’s basketball team used stingy defense to earn a 68-41 victory over Culver-Stockton College at home on Saturday afternoon. 

With the win, Central improves to 14-3 overall and 4-3 in the Heart, while the Wildcats fall to 8-8 and 2-5 in conference play. Culver-Stockton's 41 points are the second-fewest a Central defense has allowed this season, including the fewest in conference play so far. 

Holding a 32-20 lead at halftime, the Eagles’ increased the defensive pressure in the third quarter. Central held CSC without any points through the first 6:41 of the frame and without a field goal make through almost the entirety of the quarter.

The Eagles outscored Culver-Stockton 22-4 in the third quarter. CSC was unable to make any kind of run in the final frame, as Central would go on to win, 68-41. 

Four of five Eagle starters cracked double figures, led by senior guard Arleighshya McElroy who tallied 14 points in addition to seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals. 

Junior Daryna Bachkarova followed with 12 points and eight rebounds. Junior Eternati Willock and freshman Leah Johnson each added 10. Willock also pulled down a game-high 12 rebounds for her first double-double as an Eagle.

Central dominated the glass, grabbing 55 rebounds compared to 42 for the Wildcats. Overall, seven Eagles grabbed at least three or more rebounds. 

The Lady Eagles are back out on the road for a crucial South Division matchup against MidAmerica Nazarene tonight at 5:30 p.m. in Olathe, Kansas.