WARRENSBURG, Mo. (Feb. 13, 2020) - Central Missouri Mules Basketball made a season-low of 20 shots against Fort Hays State on Thursday night in the Multipurpose Building. After a close first half, the Tigers shot almost 60% after the break to defeat the Mules by 15 points, 65-50.
How it Happened:
• Central Missouri gained a quick 4-0 lead over the Tigers and continued to hold the lead for the first 14 minutes after the tip off.
• With about nine minutes until the break, Fort Hays State went on a 10-0 run and held the Mules without a basket for over six minutes.
• Both teams struggled offensively in the first half. Central Missouri was just 7-19 from the field and 2-6 from the three-point range while the Tigers were 11-29 and 3-10.
• Fort Hays outscored the Mules 11-2 in the first five minutes of the second half.
• In the final 20 minutes, the Tigers shot 56% from the field and 58% from the three in the second half while the Mules went cold, shooting just 32% from inside the arc and 25% from outside.
• The Mules ended the game 16-47 from the field for 34% and hit 4-14 from the three for 28.6%.
• The Tigers also show an advantage on the boards, out-rebounding the Mules 38-29.
It Was Over When...
• With 5:44 left on the clock the Mules came within eight points of the Tigers' 54-46 lead. In the final five minutes, Fort Hays outscored the Mules 8-4.
Leading the Mules:
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Matt Wilkinson finished 3-7 from the field, 2-4 from behind the arc and 8-8 at the free throw line to lead the Mules offense with 16 points.
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Gaven Pinkley totaled 12 points and led the defense with six rebounds.
For the Tigers:
• Four Tigers, Jared Vitztum, Calvin Harrington, Perry Corroll and Jake Hutchings, finished with 11 points each.
• Both Harrington and Corroll finished 3-5 from the three-point range.
• Devin Davis led the defense with 12 boards.
News & Notes:
• Fort Hays is now on a five-game win streak against MIAA competitors.
• Central Missouri's 20 made shots is the Mules lowest this season.
• Pinkley has now scored double-figures in 19 of the Mules 23 games.
• This was Wilkinson's ninth double-figure game of the season.
• The Mules continue to lead the all-time series against the Tigers, 14-12.
Next Up:
• Mules Basketball (9-14, 4-10 MIAA) hosts Nebraska-Kearney (14-9, 8-6 MIAA) on Saturday, Feb. 15. Tip off is scheduled for 3 p.m. in UCM's Multipurpose Building. Central Missouri Basketball will honor both Jennies and Mules seniors at halftime of the Jennies game.
