FORT SMITH, Ark. (Nov. 19, 2016) -- The Mules jumped out to an early lead, but cold shooting and a big run by No. 23 Arkansas-Fort Smith midway through the game resulted in an 82-75 loss for the Mules on Saturday night at the Stubblefield Center.
Central Missouri (2-1) jumped on top early and led for much of the first half before the Lions (4-2) made their move. The Mules opened up a six-point advantage at 21-15 with 8:07 to play in the first half, but UAFS used an 8-0 run to grab a 23-21 lead.
The Mules briefly stopped the run with a three-pointer by
Dushaun Rice at the 4:54 mark to regain the lead at 24-23, but the Lions scored nine of the final 15 points of the half to lead 32-30 at the intermission.
The Lions continued their run out of the halftime break, scoring six of the first seven points of the frame to open up a 38-31 lead. The lead grew to 12 at the 15:28 mark at 47-35. The Mules battled back to within seven at 55-48 with 11:02 to play in the game, but UAFS scored seven straight points to push the lead to 14 at 62-48 with 9:29 to play.
UCM wouldn't go away, however, going on a 13-4 run over the next 4:41 to pull within 66-61 with 4:48 to play. UAFS had another answer though, scoring four quick points to push the lead back to double digits.
The Mules were able to get back to within six at 76-70 with just under a minute to play, but the Lions were able to ice the game away at the free throw line.
Spencer Reaves led UCM with a game-high 22 points.
Kyle Wolf had 19 points and
Marquiez Lawrence finished with 12 points and eight rebounds. UCM was held to 38 percent shooting from the field and made just 7-of-24 from beyond the arc. The Mules were 20-of-24 from the free throw line.
UAFS held a big advantage on the glass, out-rebounding the Mules 42-22. The Mules foreced 18 Lion turnovers and out-scored Arkansas-Fort Smith 15-2 in points off turnovers.
Alex Cooper led five Lions in double figures with 16 points. Ladarius Coleman (13 points and 10 rebounds) and Dalton Glapion (10 points and 11 rebounds) both had double-doubles for UAFS.
The Mules return to action on Tuesday night, Nov. 22, hosting Harris-Stowe in the home opener. Tip-off at the Multi is set for 7 p.m.
