(Peru, Neb.) – While they had the lead for the majority of the way in the game, the Peru State women's basketball team had to claw their way to a victory Saturday afternoon over the visiting Central Methodist University (CMU) Eagles from Fayette, Mo.
 
The Eagles had fought back in the second half to tie it at 62-62 at the 6:19 mark, but the 'Cats outscored CMU 18 to 11 on their way to their second Heart of America Athletic Conference win.  With the victory, Peru State improved to 2-7 in the Heart and 6-13 overall.  The Eagles dropped to 10-7 overall and 3-6 in conference play.

 
Game Action
 
A basket by Brianna Madrid (Glendale, Ariz.) off an assist from Karlee Stuart (Las Animas, Colo.) started the game for Peru State.  The Eagles quickly tied it up, but the 'Cats scored the next seven points to take a 9-2 lead.  Rylie Bowser (Holton, Kan.) completed an old-fashioned three-point play which was followed by a pair of free throws by Madrid.  Stuart gave the Bobcats their seven-point lead with a bucket at the 16:57 mark in the first half.
 
CMU came back with an 8-0 run of their own to take a 10-9 lead, but Bowser put Peru State back on top on an assist from Sydney Wilkinson (St. Joseph, Mo.) with 11:45 on the clock.  Another 6-0 run by the Eagles gave them a 16-11 advantage which would prove to be their largest lead of the game. 
 
Peru State had a huge run as they outscored CMU 18 to 3 and led 29-19 after Stuart drained a long three with 5:11 left in the first 20 minutes.
 
The Eagles would cut into their Bobcat lead, but Peru State led at halftime 34-29.
 
The 'Cats would start the half with an 11 to 5 run to put them on top 45-34 at the 17:13 mark in the second half.  This would be Peru State's largest lead of the game.
 
CMU would fight their way back to eventually tie it at 62-62 with 6:19 left in the game.  A pair of Bowser free throws, followed by a bucket by Madrid, Peru State on top for the rest of the game.   The 'Cats would stretch their lead to nine at 76-67 after a Wilkinson field goal and then held on for the 80-73 win.
 
Team Statistics
 
 

Both teams shot the ball very well and ironically, the Eagles shot better than Peru State in all three categories, but the Bobcats still won.  CMU made 25 of 45 field goals for 55.6% which include making 3 of 7 three-point attempts for 42.9%.  The Eagles made 20 of 28 free throws for 71.4%.
 
The 'Cats hit 26 of 53 field goals for 49.1% and made 7 of 17 three-point tries for 41.2%.  At the charity stripe, the Bobcats made 21 of 30 for 70%.
 
The much taller Eagles only grabbed three more rebounds than Peru State as they had 27 boards compared to the Bobcats' 24.  A difference in the game was the ball handling by the 'Cats as they committed only 14 turnovers while forcing 21 CMU miscues.
 
Individual Statistics
 
Five Bobcats finished in double figures in the contest.  Peru State was led by Bowser's game-high 19 points on 6 of 7 shooting from the floor and 6 of 8 from the free throw line.  Stuart added 17 points while Madrid finished with 13.  Wilkinson contributed 12 and Brittany Harward (Orem, Utah) added ten.
 
Stuart finished with a game-high seven rebounds with Madrid and Wilkinson each adding four.  Wilkinson dished out six assists with Stuart contributing another four. 
 
Bowser and Hess each had three steals.

CENTRAL METHODIST GAME BOOK
 
Upcoming Games
 
Peru State will start the second half of the conference season at home this Thursday night when they host Benedictine College.  Game time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.  The Ravens are currently tied for the top of the Heart with an 8-1 mark and are 15-6 overall.  Benedictine is currently receiving votes in the latest coaches' poll and is on a four-game winning streak.
 
On Saturday, the Bobcats will travel to Springfield, Mo., to face Evangel University at 2 p.m.  The Crusaders are just one game ahead of Peru State in conference play as they stand at 3-6 and are 4-13 overall.  Evangel is presently on a five-game losing streak.