HAYS, Kan. – The Central Missouri Mules (4-4, 0-1 MIAA) fell to the Fort Hays State Tigers (4-2, 1-0 MIAA) by a final score of 70-67 in double overtime on Thursday, Dec. 5, in the opening game of MIAA play inside Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kan.
Central Missouri began the contest with a five-point advantage in the opening minutes but trailed at the break 31-30 despite shooting 50 percent from the field as Cincinnati, Ohio native
DeAirius Barker (10 points, four rebounds, and a season-high three steals overall) led the Mules with seven points.
Fort Hays State took a six-point advantage with just over five minutes left in the contest, but a triple from guard
Kyran Tilley (game and season-high 21 points, three assists, two rebounds, and two steals overall) tied the game at 53 with 1:09 remaining requiring extra time.
With each team scoring four points in the first overtime, an addition period was needed where the Tigers took the lead with just over two minutes remaining and never relinquished picking up their fourth win of the season.
Four Mules finished the game in double figures including a season-best 14 points, team-high seven rebounds, and two assists from Kansas City, Mo. native
Elijah Farr while forward
Jack Chapman contributed 12 points and three rebounds for good measure.
Guard
KJ Lee (season-best three steals and a season-high three assists) and sophomore
Tim Jordan Jr. (three rebounds) each recorded five points while Central Missouri out-rebounded the Tigers 32-30 aided by Oklahoma City, Okla. native
Josh Nwankwo's season-best five boards on the night.
The Mules return to the court on Saturday, Dec. 7, as they continue MIAA play against the Nebraska-Kearney Lopers (1-6, 0-1 MIAA) beginning at 4:00 p.m. inside the Health & Sports Center in Kearney, Neb.
