JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Feb. 15, 2018)-- A first half that saw Central Missouri Mules Basketball score just 23 points on 31.6% shooting ultimately doomed them as they fell to the Lincoln Blue Tigers 79-65 on the road. With the loss, the Mules fall to 19-6 overall and 11-6 in MIAA play.

How It Happened
• The Mules finished the game 45.7% from the floor on 21-46 shooting, while the Blue Tigers (15-11, 9-8 MIAA) shot over 50% in both halves to finish 54.9% on 28-51 shooting.
• Three-point shooting was the difference maker as Lincoln made 14 from deep on 27 attempts, including 10-14 in the first half. The Mules made nine for the night, but a 1-10 first half performance hurt them.
• The Mules got down 11-0 to start the game and did not get on the board until Spencer Reaves made a pair of free throws at the 15:54 mark. By the midway point of the first half, the Mules trailed 21-7.
• Despite being down 45-23 at halftime, UCM outscored Lincoln in the paint 10-8, but 11 first half turnovers were costly as Lincoln converted them to 11 points.
• A big part of the Mules first half troubles was their shooting as they went 6-19 from the floor and made just one three-pointer. They did manage to go 10-11 from the free throw line in the first half. Reaves led the charge with 10 points.
• The Blue Tigers connected 16-27 shots for 59.3% shooting. Terrance Smith scored 10 to lead Lincoln, while Maurice Mason and John Burton each chipped in nine.
• UCM had a better outing in the second half shooting 55.6% (15-27) and outscored the opposition 42-34. Lincoln continued its strong shooting going 50% from the floor on 12-24 shooting.
• The Mules had opportunities to get the game within 10 twice and trailed by 13, 68-55, and 76-63, respectively, in the final six minutes. Lincoln responded both times to get back up by 15 and did not relinquish the double-digit lead.
• Both teams finished with 24 points in the paint, but the Blue Tigers had five more made three's than the Mules, 14-9. The Blue Tigers also won the rebound battle 27-19.

It Was Over When...
• A made triple by Reaves with just over six minutes to play in the game got UCM within 13, 68-55. Lincoln responded scoring six while holding the Mules to just two points for three minutes to go back up by 19, 76-57. They held on for the 14-point win as the Mules managed just 10 points in the final six minutes.

Mules Stat Leaders
• Reaves led the way for the Mules scoring 18 points. He was just 4-12 from the floor, but did not miss a free throw as he went 8-8 on the night. He led the Mules with five rebounds.
• DJ Richardson scored 17 points and also pulled down five boards. He was 6-11 shooting and like Reaves did not miss a free throw going 4-4.
• Jakob Lowrance chipped in nine points on 3-4 shooting.

For the Blue Tigers
• Smith led all scorers with 30 points on 11-15 shooting. He also grabbed four rebounds and dished out three assists.
• Mason added 12 points on 50% shooting (4-10). He pulled down four boards and had a game-high seven assists.
• Amariontez Ivory scored 10 points while going 3-9 from the floor. He also had a game-high seven boards.

News and Notes
• The Mules are now 59-34 all-time against the Blue Tigers and 4-4 against them under Doug Karleskint. In MIAA games under Karleskint, they are now 46-30.
• This is the first time UCM has lost back-to-back games this year. The Mules were 4-0 following a loss this season entering Thursday's game.
• The Mules are now 4-3 on the road this season and 21-20 under Doug Karleskint.
• With his 18 points Thursday night, Reaves now has 1,267 for his career and ranks ninth in career scoring in Mules Basketball History. 

Up Next
•  UCM wraps up its three-game road trip Saturday, Feb. 17 at Lindenwood. The Lions are 14-11 and 6-10 in the MIAA after falling to Lincoln this past Tuesday. Lindenwood defeated the Mules earlier this season 72-63. Tip-off is set for 3:30 p.m.