A pair of last-second free throws by senior guard Arleighshya McElroy helped No. 15 Central Methodist outlast Benedictine College, 56-54, Thursday night in Atchison, Kan. 

The Eagles improve to 20-4 and 10-4 in conference play, while Benedictine falls to 17-7 and 9-5 in the Heart. 

Tied at 54-54 with less than a minute remaining, Central’s defense held steady and forced a shot clock violation to give the Eagles the final possession of regulation. McElroy brought the ball up the floor and drove to the basket with under six seconds remaining, and was fouled. 

McElroy converted both free-throw attempts to give CMU a 56-54 lead with two seconds left. Benedictine's final possession was spoiled by Central’s gritty defense, as senior guard Kedranea' Addison stole the inbounds pass to run out the clock. 

McElroy carried Central’s offense with 26 points on seven-of-15 shooting from the field, including four 3-point baskets. It marks the senior’s eighth 20-plus scoring performance of the year. 

The duo of junior Eternati Willock and freshman Leianya Massenat each tallied eight points while Willock also grabbed a team-high eight rebounds.

Both teams were identical on the boards, as each squad grabbed 36 rebounds. The difference in the game came from the charity stripe as Central converted 11-of-18 free-throw attempts, while Benedictine knocked down just four on eight attempts.

Central returns home for a matchup against Grand View University Saturday, February 5 at 2 p.m. inside Puckett Field House. The Vikings are just a half game back of the top spot in the Heart North Division standings with a 12-2 record in conference play.