Late free throws help Central Methodist knock off Central Arkansas 80-74

Central Methodist tops Central Arkansas 80-74

CONWAY, Ark. — Matt Sherman scored 25 points and Nic Dykman added 19 Saturday as Central Methodist defeated Central Arkansas 80-74.

Central Methodist (9-4), an NAIA school, hit nine straight free throws in the final minute to secure the win. Sherman hit three free throws after being fouled on a 3-point attempt with 50 seconds left to give the Eagles a 74-70 lead, and later added two more with 23 seconds remaining to extend the lead to 78-72.

Central Methodist also went 11 for 20 on 3-point attempts.

Central Arkansas (5-8) rallied twice in the second half. A 6-0 run pulled the Bears within 58-56 with 6:47 remaining. After Central Methodist built the lead back up to 10 at 69-59, the Bears used an 8-0 run to come within 69-67 with 3:17 remaining.

Tadre Sheppard led Central Arkansas with 24 points. Mitch Rueter added 16.