The UCM Mules (9-12, 4-8 in MIAA) fell to the No. 1 ranked Northwest Missouri State Bearcats 81-47 Thursday night in Maryville. 

The Mules could not get anything going against a red-hot Northwest team who is 21-1 overall. The Bearcats’ only loss of the season came on Dec. 7, 2019 to UCM in Warrensburg. Unfortunately, there was no such luck on Thursday night for the Mules. 

Northwest had control from the start and was able to go on a 20-3 scoring run early. This helped push the Bearcats out to a 17-point lead over the Mules halfway through the first half. UCM’s Koray Gilbert was able to knock down a three pointer late in the first half, but the Mules trailed Northwest at halftime 46-25. Northwest started off the second half with a 14-0 scoring run until it was ended by a pair of free throws from UCM’s Shae Wyatt. Northwest went on to win 81-47. 

Kendale Hampton led the UCM offense with 14 points including a perfect 4-4 performance from the free throw line. Matt Wilkinson added 10 points to help him reach the 600-point mark for his career. Garrett Luinstra finished with six points and Gaven Pinkley pulled down four rebounds. 

For Northwest, Ryan Hawkins led the way with 27 points and 11 rebounds. Trevor Hudgins added 20 points including six three pointers.