A 12-3 scoring streak by Graceland University shattered the Central Methodist University women’s four-game winning streak Saturday afternoon in Lamoni, Iowa. Tied 57-all in the fourth quarter, the Yellowjackets blazed to a 69-60 conference win. 

The Eagles fall to 6-4 and 4-3 in the Heart of America, while GU improves to 4-6 and 2-4 in conference action.

Central took a narrow 57-55 lead before Graceland tied the game with a jump shot to spark the 12-3 run with 5:13 left to play.

The Lady Eagles’ final field goal would come on a layup from Sharay Trotter with 3:25 on the clock. CMU would score once more on a free throw with just under two minutes to play.

Graceland outscored CMU 18-11 and shot 8-for-12 from the line in the final quarter.

Central played from behind most of the game. The Lady Eagles fell behind early in the first quarter, 23-9, before heading into the locker room at halftime trailing 36-26. CMU eventually found its offensive rhythm in the third quarter, taking a 43-42 lead at the 4:09 mark of the frame.

Both teams exchanged leads for the remainder of the third before Graceland converted two free throws in the closing seconds to go up 51-49.

Both Zutorya Cook and Trotter led the offense with 12 points apiece. Cook also added three rebounds, three steals, and an assist.

Tynesha Parnell tallied eight points followed by Sa’Mya Stevens with seven. 

The Eagles converted on just 13.3% of their attempts from 3-point range and 36.1% overall from the floor. Graceland shot 42.6% from the field and sank three of 11 shots from the arc.  

Graceland won the battle of the boards, outrebounding CMU 40-35, 12 of which came on the offensive glass. 

Central will next face Grand View University on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. in Des Moines, Iowa.

Central returns to Puckett Field House for a three-game home stand starting with a New Year’s Eve game against non-conference opponent Philander Smith (Ark.) at 2 p.m.

The Lady Eagles jump back into Heart play at 5:30 p.m. against Missouri Valley on January 3.