(Fayette, Mo.)-  Despite a career-type performance from center Kylie Diaz, the Peru State women's basketball team could not overcome Central Methodist's hot shooting in a 78-68 road loss Saturday afternoon at Puckett Field House.

Diaz powered the Bobcats with 37 points and eight rebounds, keeping Peru State within striking distance throughout, but Central Methodist used an efficient offensive effort and a late surge in the fourth quarter to close out the game. The Eagles sealed the win on a layup by Trishelle Porter in the final seconds to push the margin back to 10.

Central Methodist set the tone early, closing the first quarter on a 3-pointer by Porter to take a 23-14 lead after eight minutes. The Bobcats continued to battle in the second quarter, with Diaz attacking the paint and getting to the free-throw line, while MaKinley Tobey knocked down a late 3-pointer to trim the deficit to 41-31 at halftime. Peru State's defense limited Central to 18 points in the second quarter and forced 12 turnovers overall, but the early hole lingered the rest of the afternoon.

Peru State put together its best stretch in the third quarter, tightening up defensively and outscoring Central 19-13 to pull back into the game. The Bobcats held the Eagles to just 13 points in the frame and continued to attack the rim, drawing fouls and converting at the stripe. Diaz was central to that push, finishing a perfect 14-for-14 at the free-throw line as the Bobcats chipped away at the margin and entered the fourth quarter within a single possession on multiple occasions.

However, Central Methodist answered with a decisive fourth-quarter run. The Eagles scored 24 points in the final 10 minutes, using ball movement and perimeter shooting to create separation. For the game, Central shot 53.4 percent from the field (31-of-58) and 45.8 percent from 3-point range (11-of-24), with Porter leading the way with 26 points on eight made threes. The hosts also finished with 30 points in the paint and 19 assists, repeatedly finding open shooters when the Bobcats were forced to extend their defense.

Peru State countered by winning the battle on the glass and at the foul line. The Bobcats grabbed 36 rebounds, including 16 offensive boards, and went 23-of-28 (82.1 percent) at the free-throw line. Diaz's 37 points, eight rebounds and four steals highlighted the effort, while the team totaled 32 points in the paint and eight steals on the defensive end. Peru State's pressure created transition chances and extra possessions, but 3-of-17 shooting from beyond the arc and 14 turnovers made it difficult to fully erase the early deficit.