WARRENSBURG, Mo. --  The #6 SBU Bearcats allowed a season high 93 points in falling to the #24 Central Missouri Mules 93-82.

D'Ante Harris led the Bearcats with 22 points. Johnnie Harris had 15 while Matt Rogers had 13 for the Bearcats. Rogers also had 11 boards and four blocks. UCM put five players in double figures led by Joe Young and De'Andre Byrd with 19 points each.

Central Missouri shot 62% in the second half, including six of eight from long range. SBU turned the ball over 14 times to just eight for the Mules. UCM was 26 of 34 from the line (including Young going 11 of 12) while the Bearcats made 17 of 21 (81%). The teams were tied at 32 at halftime.

SBU had cut the UCM lead to 59-56 with 6:55 left, before the Mules would push the lead back to 11 on back-to-back three pointers by Young and Alex Moosman and free throws from Young. SBU would get as close as six points (85-79) with under a minute left, but the Mules would close the game out from the foul line.

"All games are tough in the MIAA, especially on the road," commented head coach Jeff Guiot. "Our guys played hard and shot the ball better late in the second half. Central Missouri made some pretty tough shots and hit 62% from the field in the second half. We're getting pounded on the offensive glass. That's just a matter of desire -- they have to want it. Central had 14 offensive rebounds in the first half. We improved on that in the second, allowing just 5, but 19 is too many for a game."

The Bearcats are now tied for the MIAA lead with the Mules with both teams at 8-3. Both teams are 15-3 overall.

The Bearcats are off this Wednesday before traveling to Joplin next Saturday night to take on the Missouri Southern Lions in a 7:30 p.m. start.

Final Stats