The Culver-Stockton women's basketball team missed a go-ahead shot with five seconds remaining and Central Methodist held on to post a 60-59 victory Tuesday afternoon at Charles Field House.

The Wildcats took their only lead of the game at 56-54 on a lay-up by Nevaiah Bell-Tenner with 5:30 remaining in the game.

The Eagles score four straight points to regain the lead at 58-56 and the deficit stayed that way until C-SC's Paige Henson split a pair of free throws to make the score 58-57 with 2:23 remaining.

Each team traded baskets on the the ensuing possessions to make it 60—59 with 1:35 to play. CMU missed a shot attempt and C-SC grabbed the rebound with a minute left. However, the Wildcats turned the ball over with 54 seconds left.

CMU failed to extend the lead with another miss and the Wildcats grabbed the rebound and called time out with 24 seconds left.

Advancing the ball to the front court after the timeout, C-SC played for a game-winning shot, but Misora Nambara's seven-foot runner hit the front of the rim and the Eagles corralled the rebound with five seconds left. 

CMU was able to run out the remaining time despite two fouls by the Wildcats in the final moments of the game.

Avery Oetting scored 19 points and recorded a team-best four steals to lead the Wildcats. Keyara Baerga-Plumey came off the bench to net 11 markers, while Bell-Tenner contributed 10 points.

The Wildcats return to conference play next Wednesday, Dec. 3, with a road game at William Woods University in Fulton, Mo. Game time is scheduled for 5:30 pm.