FAYETTE, Mo. – No. 15 Central Methodist University connected on 52.6 percent from the floor on Saturday night en route to a 75-58 win over Raven Women's Basketball in the Heart Postseason Tournament Semifinals.
Kennedy Nicholson connected on the Ravens only 3-pointer of the first half with 3:38 remaining in the first quarter to tie the game at 11, the game's third tie. From their CMU went on a 7-run to close out the quarter and take a jump ahead by seven. They extended their run into the second quarter, pulling ahead by 20 before Benedictine scored the final six points of the half on a pair of baskets from Aaliyah Raines and a third by Ali Brzozowski to cut their deficit to 14 at the half.
The Ravens held a 20-19 advantage in scoring during the third quarter but couldn't pull any closer than 11 points. With just under four minutes left in the third quarter, Skylar Washington hit a 3-pointer to close the Ravens deficit down to 11 for the first time. Brzozowski hit a basket in the paint 19 seconds into the fourth quarter to pull Benedictine back within 11 points but that was all the closer they would get.
Three Ravens finished in double figures scoring as Benedictine held a 36-34 advantage in points in the paint. Natalie Smaron finished with 12 points while Washington and Brzozowski both added 11.
Central Methodist advances to take on Heart No. 1 seed and regular-season champion Clarke University on March 1. Benedictine awaits the NAIA selection show on March 3 when the Association announces the 64-team tournament field. Benedictine sits at 21-10 as they wait to learn if that will be enough for an at-large berth.
