(Peru, Neb.)- Central Methodist (Mo.) used a strong first-half surge and steady scoring after the break to defeat Peru State 68-49 on Saturday afternoon at the Al Wheeler Activity Center in Peru, Neb. 

Peru State stayed within reach early, but Central Methodist's perimeter shooting created separation midway through the first half. The Bobcats continued to battle after the break, but Central Methodist answered quickly to maintain control. Austin Prater opened the second-half scoring for the Eagles with a 3-pointer at 17:20 that extended the lead to 40-26. Peru State generated stops in stretches and matched the visitors 27-31 on the scoreboard in the second half, but the early deficit and a cold outside shooting night limited any comeback bid.

Victor Lado led the Bobcats with 14 points and six rebounds in 26 minutes, providing interior scoring and a presence on the glass as Peru State battled a taller Eagle front line. The Bobcats finished 20-for-60 (33.3%) from the field and were unable to convert from beyond the arc, going 0-for-23 from 3-point range. Peru State did find some success at the free-throw line, hitting 9 of 13 attempts (69.2%), and collected 38 total rebounds, including eight on the offensive end, while recording eight steals and four blocks defensively.