The Central Methodist men's basketball team used a 43-point second half to overcome a nine-point halftime deficit to defeat Peru State College 70-64 in the Heart Tournament Quarterfinals Wednesday night in Fayette. 

With the win, the Eagles advance to the Heart Semifinals, and improved their overall record to 22-9. The Bobcat’s season comes to an end with a final mark of 16-15. 

The Eagles found themselves down at halftime, trailing the Bobcats 36-27. CMU’s offense came alive in the second outscoring Peru by 15 to earn the six-point victory. 

Four of Central's five starters reached double figures, led by Heart First Team All-Conference performer sophomore Jonathan Brown, who poured in 17 points paired with seven rebounds. Classmate Fode Camara followed with 15 points and 10 rebounds to earn a double-double. 

Senior Tim Cameron, sophomore Isaiah May, and freshman Thomas Sowoolu all recorded 10 points, while Cameron dished out a team-high nine assists along with six rebounds, a steal, and a block. Sophomore guard Trent Lyles nearly cracked double figures with eight points, while also adding two steals and a block. 

Central just edged Peru on the glass, grabbing 37 rebounds compared to 36 for the Bobcats.

The win sent the Eagles to the next round to face the No 1 team in the nation, William Penn in Oskaloosa, Iowa on Friday.  CMU handed the Statesmen their only loss of the season, 79-73 back on Dec. 8 in Fayette. 

The Statesmen defeated the Eagles on Friday 92-81. For full story on the William Penn game, see above.