Box Score

WARRENSBURG, Mo.-After losing its No. 1 ranking Tuesday, eighth-ranked Central Missouri played a near flawless first half en route to a 96-68 win against Northwest Missouri State Wednesday at the UCM Multipurpose Building.

The Mules (14-1, 7-1 MIAA) shot 63 percent from the field, made seven three-pointers and committed two turnovers in the first half against the Bearcats (8-7, 3-5). Central Missouri capped the frame with a 22-9 run during which the Mules scored on nine straight possessions. Guards Bryce Brunz and Alex Moosmann combined to hit four consecutive three-pointers and the Mules took a 53-32 lead into the break.

Moosmann and Brunz finished the night with five three-pointers each and led the Mules with 21 and 18 points, respectively. Moosman finished 8-of-10 from the floor. Floor mate Sanijay Watts made 8-of-9 shots and had 16 points. Tremaine Luellen was 6-of-8 and had 17.

Elijah Allen''s 19 points led four Northwest players in double figures. Maciej Ustarbowski, Girod Adams and DeShaun Cooper added 10 points each.