ST. CHARLES, Mo. (Feb. 17, 2018)-- Central Missouri Mules Basketball dropped their third straight game as they feel by four, 56-52, to the Lindenwood Lions Saturday afternoon at Hyland Arena. With the loss, the Mules are now 9-7 overall and 11-6 in MIAA play.
How It Happened
• The Mules outshot the Lions (15-11, 7-10 MIAA) for the game 43.5% to 38.3%, but the Lions had the advantage from three-point range and the free throw line.Â
• Lindenwood went 7-23 (30.4%) from deep and 13-20 (65%) at the charity strip, while Central Missouri finished 3-14 (21.4%) from beyond the arc, and just 9-16 at the free throw line (56.3%).
• The game was tied 4-4 in the first two minutes, but the Lions created separation with a 14-2 run to jump out 18-6 with 12:07 to play.
• The Mules responded with a 7-0 run and get within five, 18-13, but the Lions answered right back with a 10-0 run to get back up by double figures, 28-13. The 15-point lead was their largest of the game.
• Looking to keep things close going into halftime, UCM put together one more run, 10-1, to get within single digits of Lindenwood. At the break, it was 29-23 Lions.
• The Mules went 9-20 in the first half for 45%, but made just one triple on seven attempts for 14.3%. The Lions shot 11-27 for 40.7% and were 4-12 from deep in the first half for 33.3%.
• The second half was a low scoring affair just like the first. UCM slowly chipped away at Lindenwood's lead and grabbed the lead with just over 13 minutes to play in the game.
• DJ Richardson nailed an layup and drew contact on the way up. He made the free throw to get UCM within one, 34-33. After a defensive stop, Duane Clark Jr. hit a shot the paint to get UCM up 35-34 with 13:01 to play.
• The Lions once again responded and held the Mules scoreless for over three minutes and scored seven straight to lead, 41-35.Â
• UCM made one more push and tied the game 48-48 with 3:54 to play. Spencer Reaves scored five straight points on a three-pointer and layup to tie the game for UCM.
• The Lions answered with a quick three to retake the lead and never let the Mules get any closer than one point in the final three minutes. Free throws made the difference as the Lions took seven more than the Mules. They went 10-16, while the Mules were just 5-9.
• The Mules went 11-26 in the second frame for 42.3%, while holding the Lions to just seven made shots on 20 attempts for 35%. Â
• Both teams finished with 29 total rebounds and seven turnovers.Â
It Was Over When...
• A made triple by Reaves, tied the game with just under four minutes to play, but Chandler Diekvoss nailed one from deep to give the Lions a 51-48 lead. Neither team scored until Reaves hit a layup with 1:19 to go, but once again the Lions answered as Adam Pohlman hit layup with :50 to play. The game came down to free throws the rest of the way as Lindenwood held off UCM for the four-point win.
Mules Stat Leaders
• Reaves led all scorers with 21 points. He finished 8-13 from the floor and was the Mules top rebounder with eight.
• Richardson was the only other double figure scorer with 13 points on 4-8 shooting. He pulled down three boards.
• Jakob Lowrance chipped in eight points on 4-7 shooting performance. He also had three rebounds.
For the Lions
• Diekvoss was leader in points and rebounds as he notched a double with 19 points and 11 boards. He finished the game 6-9 shooting.
• Jackson Price scored 14 points on 5-11 shooting.Â
• Brad Newman added 10 points. He was just 3-8 from the floor, but went 3-4 at the charity strip.
News and Notes
• The Mules have now lost three straight games for the first time since losing six straight in the 2014-15 season. It is just the second time they have lost three straight under Doug Karleskint.
• This is the first time the Mules have lost a game this season while holding an opponent under 60 points. Prior to Saturday, the Mules were 9-0 when doing so. It is also the first loss this season when they shot a better percentage than the opposition for the game.
• UCM is now 4-4 on the road this season and 21-21 under Doug Karleskint.
• Reaves continues to add to his career point total. He now has 1,288 for his career. He is 12 points shy of reaching 1,300 and 22 points away from moving up to eighth all-time in Mules Basketball History.
Up Next
• The Mules will return home for Senior day this coming Thursday, Feb. 22 against the Missouri Southern Lions. UCM will also look to avenge a 76-69 loss against Missouri Southern earlier this season. The Mules will honor three seniors at halftime of the Jennies game. Tip-off for the Mules game is set for 7:30 p.m.
