The nationally ranked Mules outplayed Missouri Western in the second half. (photo/UCM Athletics)
The 12th-ranked Central Missouri Mules used a 22-0 run early in the second half and held Missouri Western to 15 second half points as they cruised to a 64-42 win in the final regular season home game. The win improves UCM’s record to 23-4 overall and 14-4 in MIAA play and secures a top two seed in the MIAA Tournament and a bye to the quartfinals in Kansas City on Thursday, March 5.
Kevin Thomas scored out of the halftime break to knot the game at 29-all with 19:12 to play in the game, but that’s when the Mules would go on their big run. By the time the run was over the Mules led 51-29 with 11:02 to play in the game. The Griffons didn’t score their first field goal of the second half until the 8:27 mark and that cut the lead to 18 at 51-33.
The Mules would push the lead to as large as 22 as they coasted to their seventh straight win.
TJ White led the Mules with 19 points on 8-of-9 shooting. He was the only UCM player in double figures, but seven players scored at least five points. The Mules were 23-of-51 from the field for 45 percent, including 5-of-13 from three-point range for 39 percent. UCM was 13-of-22 at the foul line for 59 percent.
Seth Bonifas was the only Griffon to score in double figures with 10 points as Missouri Western was held to a season-low 42 points. MWSU was 16-of-42 from the field for 38 percent and 3-of-11 from beyond the arc for 27 percent. The Griffons made 7-of-14 at the foul line.
Story courtesy of UCM Athletics