Mules swat away Hornets

The University of Central Missouri’s run at No. 1 could have easily ended Saturday night in Emporia, Kan.

The Emporia State men’s basketball team stayed close to the top-ranked team in Division II into the final 2 minutes, but the Mules won 89-79.

The Hornets (4-5, 1-2) took the lead for the first time on their first possession of the second half.

The lead changed hands six times and the score was tied eight times before UCM (7-0, 3-0) clinched the win on

Sanijay Watts’ jumper and Ryan Harris’ 3-pointer with 1:36 left that pushed the Mules’ lead to 83-79.

Watts finished with a game-high 18 points and 11 rebounds.

Alex Moosman scored 16 points, Harris finished with 15, Bryce Brunz had 14 and Tremaine Luellen had 13.

Dustin Andrews and Tim Niles paced Emporia State with 17 points each.

The teams combined for 18 3-pointers with the Mules making 11, including five by Harris.

The score was tied at 31 at halftime.