JOPLIN, Mo. – The Central Missouri Mules (5-5, 1-3) fell to the Missouri Southern Lions (7-4, 3-2) by a final score of 82-74 on Tuesday, Dec. 13, inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center in Joplin, Mo.
 
UCM held a 38-36 advantage at the half thanks to 14 points from redshirt senior Gaven Pinkley (season-high 28 points, three rebounds, and two steals overall) while guard Mikel Henderson ended the night with 22 points, six assists, and two rebounds respectively.
 
Redshirt junior Trey Sides added seven points, three rebounds, and two steals; plus, forward Ben Fritz added a team-high four rebounds and two points in the loss.

Redshirt sophomore Jordan Hayes came off the bench contributing a team-high four rebounds, four points, and two assists while forward Jack Chapman added four points.
 
The Lions were led by guard Avery Taggert's double-double (18 points and 11 rebounds) performance along with Vinson Sigmon Jr. and Ndongo Ndaw each adding 17 points in the win.
   
The Mules return to the court on Saturday, Dec. 17, as they travel to Pittsburg State in Pittsburg, Kan., for a 7:30 p.m. MIAA contest.