The Central Methodist women pulled off a dramatic 71-66 overtime victory at Park University Saturday afternoon in Parkville, Mo.

The win improved Central’s early-season record to 5-3 overall and 2-1 in the Heart of America, while Park drops to 4-3 and 0-2 in conference action.

Central Methodist made four of five shots from the field and knocked down five crucial free throws in overtime to escape with a five-point win.

Kaitlyn Patke led the Eagles with 15 points, going a perfect 4-for-4 from the field and sinking seven of eight free throws. She also brought down six rebounds.

Nautica Washington added 15 points on 6-for-12 shooting while dishing out five assists. Kaelyn Johnson contributed 11 points with three triples. Asnate Gerke chipped in 10 points and provided a key defensive spark with six steals.

Tayla Robinson scored nine points and handed out seven assists, helping orchestrate the Eagles’ offense.

CMU was particularly strong in the paint, scoring 44 points compared to Park’s 36, and added 14 fast-break points, taking advantage of transition opportunities.

Turnovers also played a significant role, though both teams were fairly even. Park committed 32 compared to Central’s 30.

The Eagles returned to the court on Tuesday after the Advertiser went to press with a 2 p.m. tipoff on the road at Culver-Stockton College. Central returns to Puckett Fieldhouse next Wednesday, Dec. 3, against rival Missouri Valley at 5:30 p.m. It’s CMU’s only home amid a stretch of seven road games through Jan. 3.