Graceland Falls to Central Methodist in Heart Play; Morbidoni Posts Game-High 18

LAMONI, Iowa — Despite a strong first quarter and a team-high 18 points from guard Ianara Morbidoni, the Graceland University women's basketball team fell to Central Methodist University, 69-48, on Wednesday afternoon at the Morden Center in Heart of America Athletic Conference action.

Graceland (1-16, 0-9 Heart) jumped out to an early 18-14 lead after one quarter, fueled by eight quick points from Oliviya Tinoco and a deep three from Morbidoni. However, Central Methodist (10-7, 5-4 Heart) responded with a 20-14 second-quarter run and controlled the second half behind balanced scoring and dominance on the glass.

Graceland shot just 35.5 percent from the field and struggled from the arc at 15.0 percent (3-for-20). The Yellowjackets also went just 1-of-4 at the free throw line. Central Methodist capitalized at the other end, converting 46.7 percent from the floor and collecting 33 rebounds compared to Graceland's 27.

Morbidoni led the Jackets with 18 points and eight boards, while Tinoco added 10. Sophomore Brooklyn Davis chipped in seven points off the bench.

"We came out with great energy and executed early," head coach Willie Scott said. "But we have to learn to sustain that intensity for four quarters. We're a young team and still learning how to compete through adversity, but the fight is there, and I'm proud of the effort."

Central Methodist was paced by Kaitlyn Patke, who posted a double-double with 21 points and 14 rebounds.

Graceland will return to action on Wednesday, Jan. 14, with a conference road matchup at William Penn University. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. CST at the Penn Activity Center in Oskaloosa, Iowa.

For more information on Graceland women's basketball and all of Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.