Feb. 29, 2008

FAYETTE, Mo. -- Central Methodist (Mo.) men's basketball player, Matt Sherman broke the CMU single season record for three-point shots made last night (Feb. 28) versus Benedictine (Kan.) College in the first round of the Heart of America Athletic Conference Post-season Tournament. Sherman currently has made 111 three-point shots on the year at 47% and has surpassed the 200 mark during his two-year career by shooting 203-of-447 for a 45 percent career clip.  Sherman is currently eighth in the NAIA D-II ranking for three-pointers made per game with a 3.6 average and 12th in three-point field goal percentage at 47.6%.

The previous record holder for CMU was Aaron Brooks from Marshfield, Mo., who was a former All-American guard for the Eagles during the 1997-98 season.  Brooks made 109 three-point shots at 39% while averaging 20 points per game.  This included draining nine three-pointers in a single game during a performance he had at the NAIA National Tournament in 1998.  Brooks still holds the records for three-point shots made in a single game (9) along with most points in a single season 682.

Heading into the quarterfinal play-off game vs. Benedictine College, Sherman's total stood at 108 three-point shots made for the season.  He made all three, three-point shots in the second half.  The Eagles trailed by 14 points at intermission and outscored the Ravens by 21 points during their second half come back as they defeated Benedictine 63-56.

"I really didn't think I would have anyone that would break this record," said head coach Jeff Sherman. "I have been most fortunate to have many of the finest guards in the league during my tenure and most were outstanding three-point shooters.  Aaron Brooks was one of the very best.  I am thrilled to have another player achieve this accomplishment and for it to be my own son is an extra blessing."

Hitting three-point shots is nothing new for Sherman as he broke the Fayette High School record
and was among the top three-point shooters in Missouri High School History when he made 13 in a single game during his senior season en route to a 49 point performance.  Sherman currently leads the Eagles in scoring at 15 points per game and was selected 2nd team all-conference in the Heart of America Athletic Conference.  Sherman is a native of Fayette, Missouri and is a physical education major planning to go into coaching.  He is the son of current Eagles Head Basketball Coach Jeff Sherman and Julee Sherman, Vice President of Finance and Administration at Central Methodist University.

The Eagles face Evangel University on Friday, Feb. 28 in the semi-final round of the HAAC Conference Post-Season tournament.  The Eagles and Crusaders split during this past season with Evangel winning in Fayette and the Eagles winning in Springfield.  Evangel is Co-Champions of the HAAC and ranked #6 in the nation and currently 25-6 while the Eagles finished 3rd and currently have a 20-11 record.  The game will be played on the campus of Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri at 7:00 PM.