ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (Feb. 8, 2020) - Central Missouri Mules Basketball battled back from a 16-point first half deficit to come within two points of Missouri Western in the final seconds before falling to the Griffons 84-80. Sophomore
Gaven Pinkley scored a career-high of 25 points while the Mules shot over 50% from the field for the fifth time this season.
How It Happened:
• Central Missouri and the Griffons battled point-for-point in the first 10 minutes after the tip off.
• The Griffons saw their largest lead of the game at a 16-point advantage with 30 seconds left in the first half.
• Missouri Western shot 63% from the field in the first half, including 52.6% from 3-point range, going 19 for 19 beyond the arc to take a 14-point lead to halftime.
• The Mules finished 15-29 for 51.7% from the field in the first half while making half of their six three-point attempts.
• It wasn't until the final two minutes of the game where the Mules came within three possessions of the Griffons.
• Central Missouri outscored the Griffons in the second half 45-35.
• The Mules ended the game 29-58 from the field for 50%, 6-16 from the three for 37.5% and went 16-20 at the free throw line for 80%.
• The Griffons shot 52.5% from the field and 42.9% from 3-point range with 15 makes.
• Missouri Western's 31 made field goals and their 21 assists are the most Central Missouri has allowed this season.
It Was Over When...
• With Under 25 seconds to play Missouri Western lead 81-78.
DeAndre Sorrells had a chance to tie the game, just missing an open three which was rebounded by a Griffon.
• Fouled on the rebound, Will Eames went 1-2 on his trip to the free throw line making it a two possession game.
•
Garrett Luinstra was left wide open in the paint for a lay. Griffons led 82-80 with seven seconds on the clock.
• Pressure from
Kendale Hampton on the Missouri Western inbound awarded the Mules the inbound under their basket with 2.7 seconds left.
•
Daniel Farris' inbound pass was stolen by the Griffon's 6-7 forward, Eames. He was then fouled and made each of his free throws to end the game 84-80.
Leading the Mules:
• Pinkley recorded a career-high of 10 made field goals on another career-high of 15 attempts. Pinkley also hit 5-6 from the foul line to lead the Mules with 25 points.
•
Michael Winger totaled 11 points and lead the Mules with two three's.
• Farris finished with 10 points and five assists.
• Hampton lead the defense with seven rebounds.
For the Griffons:
• Reese Glover scored the game-high of 26 points while tying Missouri Western's single-game three-point record with eight three's.
• Tyus Millhollin had 16 points.
• Eames recorded the team-high of 11 rebounds.
News & Notes:
• Missouri Western is now on a six game win streak and continue to be undefeated at 9-0 while playing at home.
• The Mules are now 0-5 in games that have been decided by four points.
• Winger surpassed 300 career points.
• Central Missouri is 0-8 on the road.
• Pinkley has scored in double-figures in 18 of the Mules 22 games.
Up Next:
Mules Basketball returns to the Multipurpose Building next week to host a pair of MIAA matchups. Central Missouri is scheduled to take on Fort Hays State at 7:30 Tuesday night, Feb. 13, in Warrensburg, Mo.
