FAYETTE, MO. – Missouri Baptist University women's basketball erased a late deficit and held on in the final seconds to claim a 50-49 road victory over Central Methodist University on Wednesday evening.

In a game defined by grit rather than glamour, the Spartans (12-13, 11-8) outrebounded the Eagles 46-32 and turned 19 second-chance points into the difference.

MBU trailed 49-48 with under a minute left before senior Jenna Plymale delivered the biggest bucket of the night. After a defensive stop and timeout, Plymale knocked down a pull-up jumper with eight seconds remaining to give MBU a 50-49 edge. Central Methodist had one final look, but the Spartans secured the defensive rebound as time expired to seal the win.

Abigail Williams led the Spartans with 16 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double, adding five made free throws. Paula Puzule chipped in 11 points, including three 3-pointers, while Cubero finished with nine points and eight rebounds.

MBU weathered an early nine-point deficit in the second quarter and clawed back behind timely shooting from Puzule in the third. The Spartans outscored the Eagles 15-10 in the third quarter to trim the margin and entered the fourth within one possession.

The final period featured three lead changes. CMU converted a three-point play with 3:34 remaining to give Missouri Baptist its first lead of the half, but Central Methodist answered to regain a 49-48 advantage. From there, it was defense and composure that carried the Spartans across the finish line.

Missouri Baptist capitalized at the free-throw line, converting 14-of-16 attempts (87.5 percent). The Spartans also held Central Methodist to 22.2 percent shooting in the fourth quarter.

Missouri Baptist continues the road Saturday against Park University. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m.