CLAREMORE, Okla. (Jan. 23, 2020) - Central Missouri Mules Basketball is still without a road victory after falling to Rogers State 63-74 Thursday night in Oklahoma. Four Mules shooting in double-figures was still not enough to overcome the Hillcats offense that shot over 50% for their fifth-straight game.
How it Happened:
• Rogers State gained a lead over the Mules in the first minute after the tip off and held that lead for the entire game.
• Central Missouri's offense struggled in the first half as the Mules made only eight of their 23 attempted field goals and went 2-8 from the three-point range.
• Coming out of the half down 35-25,
Shae Wyatt silenced a Hillcats 10-0 run with back-to-back three's.
• The Hillcats offense continued to prevail in the the second half as Rogers State saw their biggest lead over the Mules at an 18 point advantage with 16:28 left to play.
• More Mules shots fell in the second half as they hit 11-26 from the field and 4-8 from behind the arc.
• Central Missouri did have the rebounding edge, bringing down 31 boards compared to Roger State's 29.
• Roger State's 89% shooting performance at the foul line played a huge factor in the Hillcats offense as they totaled 21 points off UCM fouls.
It Was Over When...
With just under a minute to play, the Hillcats lead the Mules by nine points. Roger State's Jett Sternberger hit a pair of free throws to replace their double-figure lead with only 26 seconds on the clock.
Leading the Mules:
•
Gaven Pinkley finished 5-11 from inside the paint and 9-10 from the foul line to lead the Mules with 19 points. Pinkley also led the defense with nine rebounds.
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Kendale Hampton hit 5-13 from the field and 2-6 from the three to total 13 points.
• Wyatt recorded a season-high 12 points.
•
Michael Winger went 4-6 from inside the arc and 2-4 from outside to finish with 10 points.
•
Daniel Farris had seven points, eight boards and lead the Mules with four assists.
For the Hillcats:
• Marque Sumner led Rogers State with five three's as he totaled 21 points.
• Sternberger finished with 15 points.
• Christoper Miller led the Hillcats defense with eight rebounds.
News & Notes:
• Tonight's game against Rogers State was the first meeting between the two programs. Hillcats now lead the series 1-0.
• Central Missouri's 19 made free throws on 24 attempts is a season-high. Pinkley's nine made free throws is also a personal season-high for the sophomore.
• The Mules are now 0-5 on the road this season.
• Pinkley has now scored in double-figures in 12 consecutive games.
Up Next:
Mules Basketball (7-10, 2-6 MIAA) remain in Oklahoma through the weekend to face Northeastern State on Saturday, Jan. 25 in Tahlequah. The Mules and the RiverHawks tip off at 3:30 p.m. in the NSU Event Center.
