McPherson, Kan. - Central Christian nearly erased a slow start, but John Brown held on late as the Tigers fell 53–49 Thursday night (Jan. 15) at the Jerry Alexander Arena.

John Brown controlled the game early, jumping out to a 15–9 first-quarter lead and carrying a 30–22 advantage into halftime. Central Christian's offense struggled to find rhythm early, shooting just 2-of-11 from the field in the opening quarter, but the Tigers steadily settled in and began chipping away after the break.

The Tigers won the third quarter 12–9 and kept the pressure on in the fourth, outscoring John Brown 15–14. Central Christian's best push came in the final four minutes as the Tigers cut a double-digit deficit down to a one-possession game. Chloe Clevenger sparked the rally with tough finishes in the paint and a late three-pointer to make it 52–49 with 10 seconds left, but John Brown answered at the line and Central could not convert on the final possession.

Clevenger led Central Christian with 18 points on 8-of-18 shooting, including 2-for-6 from three, adding three assists and four steals in 27 minutes off the bench. Charmayne Marshall finished with 7 points, while Cristina Laudan added 6 points, 8 rebounds, and a key late basket that pulled the Tigers within one (47–46) with 1:15 remaining. C'Niyah Williams added 6 points and 3 rebounds.

John Brown was led by Caelyn Ferguson's 22 points, and Sarah Snodgrass posted 19 points and 7 rebounds. The Golden Eagles made the difference at the stripe late, going 10-for-12 at the line in the fourth quarter.

Central Christian finished the night shooting 30.0% (18-of-60) and 18.2% (4-of-22) from three, while forcing key plays late to stay within striking distance.

Central Christian moves to 5–12 overall (1–10 SAC) and will look to carry the defensive intensity as they head to College of the Ozarks (10-6, 7-3) on Saturday afternoon at 2pm. Game can be seen on the UEN Network.