JOPLIN, Mo. – The Central Missouri Mules (10-12, 5-11) fell to the Missouri Southern Lions (11-12, 9-8) by a final score of 71-62 on Saturday afternoon inside the Leggett & Platt Center in Joplin.
The Lions had a seven-point lead at halftime and never relinquished, picking up their 11
th win of the season led by forward Darius Dawson's game-high 22 points and seven rebounds.
Central Missouri was paced offensively by redshirt senior
Keith Kiner III who had 17 points and five rebounds as the Mules outscored Missouri Southern by a margin of 29-7 off the bench. Guard
Jalen Knott contributed 15 points and five rebounds while freshman
Corey Skillman Jr. added 11 points, six rebounds, and three assists on the afternoon.
Forward
Noah Martin had six points connecting on both of his attempts from beyond the arc, plus freshman
Tim Jordan Jr. added five points and grabbed four rebounds for good measure. UCM outrebounded the Lions 38-35 in the game as guard
Jordan Hayes grabbed six rebounds while forward
Jack Chapman had four.
Central Missouri returns to the court on Thursday, Feb. 15, as they continue MIAA play hosting the Nebraska-Kearney Lopers with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m. inside the Multipurpose Building in Warrensburg.