(WARRENSBURG, Mo.) — The Central Missouri Mules shot 57 percent from the field and forced Lincoln into 23 turnovers as they rolled to a 92-50 win on Wednesday night at the UCM Multipurpose Building. The win gives the Mules 20 wins for the second straight season and the seventh time under head coach Kim Anderson.
The Mules (20-4, 12-3 MIAA) jumped out to a 14-2 lead not even six minutes into the game. The Blue Tigers (3-20, 1-14 MIAA) pulled to within five with a 7-0 run, but the Mules responded with a 6-0 run of their own to open a 20-9 lead with 10:24 left in the first half.
A bucket by Lincoln cut the lead to single digits, but a layup by TJ White sparked a 9-3 run that put the Mules up 29-14 with 5:20 left in the opening period. A pair of free throws cut the lead to 13, but the Mules scored seven straight points to open up a 20-point advantage with just under four minutes to play. The lead grew to 21 before the Blue Tigers closed the half on a 5-0 run and UCM led 43-27 at the intermission.
The Mules opened the second half on a 7-0 run to open a 50-27 lead and the rout was on. Central Missouri pushed the lead to 25 at the 15:08 mark. A 12-3 run pushed the lead to 30 with under 12 minutes to play. A 16-2 run later in the half gave UCM an 85-45 lead with 3:20 to play in the game. The lead grew to as many as 43 as the Mules ran their winning streak to six games.
The Mules shot 35 of 62 from the field and made 8 of 19 three-point attempts for 42 percent. UCM was 14 of 23 at the foul line for 61 percent. The Mules had a season-high 22 assists on the night and came up with nine steals.
Charles Hammork led four Mules in double figures with 14 points. White and Kyle Wolf had 11 points apiece and Ryan Donald chipped in 10 off the bench. Twelve of the 14 Mules that saw action scored points.
Lincoln was led by Mike Smith’s 18 points, while Joshua Buie chipped in 10. The Blue Tigers were 18 of 51 from the field for 35 percent and 5 of 17 from beyond the arc for 29 percent. LU made 9 of 15 at the charity stripe for 60 percent.
The Mules out-rebounded the Blue Tigers 40-29 and held a 46-18 advantage in points in the paint. The Mules scored 31 points off the 23 Lincoln turnovers. The UCM bench outscored LU’s 53-15.
The Mules hit the road on Saturday to take on Lindenwood in the first of three straight road games. Tipoff at Hyland Arena in St. Charles is set for 3 p.m. The game can be heard live on 1450 KOKO, 98.5 The Bar and warrensburgradio.com with Greg Hassler on the call.
Box Score