Upper Iowa suffered a narrow defeat to the University of Central Missouri in Saturday night's game. The Peacocks were on the tails of the Mules the entire time but were unable to come out on top. Central Missouri's ability to rebound and get to the free throw line gave them the edge in the contest. The loss puts Upper Iowa at 1-2 on the year, Central Missouri improves to 1-2 picking up their first victory of the 2019-20 season.

Central Missouri had the lead for the majority of the first half after setting the tone early on. The Mules went up 6-0 after two unanswered three pointers fell in the first few minutes of play. Central Missouri went ahead by double digits with 7:49 remaining in the half after going on a 12-5 run highlighted by two three pointers from Michael Winger to put the Mules up 23-12. Upper Iowa went up for the first time with 2:39 to play in the first half after going on a 13-1 run. The run was highlighted by a trio of three pointers from Jareese Williams, Joe Smoldt and Jackson Joens that help put Upper Iowa up 25-24. The Peacocks scored just once more while the Mules made three more baskets making the score at 31-27 at half in favor of Central Missouri.

Joe Smoldt led the Upper Iowa offense in the first half with team highs of 11 points, three rebounds and three made three pointers. Smoldt was 3-5 from three point range and 4-7 from the field in the first half. Jackson Joens continued to contribute off the bench. He was second behind Smoldt in first half points with seven and rebounds with two.

Upper Iowa outshot Central Missouri from the field in the first half 42.3% to 34.6%. Despite this, Central Missouri was able to get ahead by getting to the free throw line where they were 7-9 and hitting six out of their 11 three point attempts. Upper Iowa did not get to the charity stripe in the first half, they were 5-12 from beyond the arc. The Mules were also able to out rebound Upper Iowa 19-14 in the first half of play.

Jareese Williams put the Peacocks within one point after draining a three pointer to start the second half. Central Missouri went ahead by double digits for the second time with 15:27 left in the game. The Mules came out of halftime hot going on a 16-6 run to go up 47-36. Central Missouri's run was fueled by nine points from Gaven Pinkley, the Mules leading scorer (20) and rebounder (17) in the contest.

Upper Iowa went ahead for the first time in the second half after going on a 17-5 run to put the game at 53-52. The run was fueled by the play of Jareese Williams, Lucas Duax and Dylan Jones. Williams had a pair of threes, Duax hit a pair layups and Jones, starting his first game as a Peacock, had a score of his own and dished out a couple of assists during the stretch.

Central Missouri went back up after a 9-2 run. The run was highlighted by three scores from Gavin Pinkley that help put the Mules up 63-55 with four minutes left on the clock.

The Peacocks were able to fight back and get within a score after five points from Joens and a pair of free throws from Williams quickly put the game at 65-62 with 2:41 to play. The Mules scored five quick points of their own followed by a Lucas Duax three pointer to put the game at 70-65 with 10 seconds left to play. Upper Iowa was unable to score again ending the game at 70-65 in favor of Central Missouri.

PEACOCK OF THE GAME … Jareese Williams after a slow start, carried the Upper Iowa offense in the second half. Williams shot 60% from the field and 71.4% from three point range on his way to 19 points.

STATS OF THE GAME … 

• Upper Iowa had three double digit scorers: Williams (19), Smoldt (14) and Joens (14)

• All three double digit scores shot over 50% from the field: Williams (60%), Joens (54.5%), Smoldt (50%)

• Dylan Jones grabbed a team high seven rebounds in his first collegiate start

• Jake Hilmer maintains his five assists per game average after tonight's five assist performance, he currently is third in the NSIC in that category

• Central Missouri was able to draw 17 free throws compared to six from Upper Iowa

• Upper Iowa out shot Central Missouri 45.5% to 39.3% from the field

• The Mules out shot the Peacocks 52.4% to 42.9% from long distance

• Central Missouri came down with 45 rebounds compared to 28 for Upper Iowa

UP NEXT …  Upper Iowa will face the University of Central Oklahoma on Sunday, Nov.17 at 2 p.m. for game two of the Fairfield Inn Classic in Warrensburg, Mo. Visit UIUPeacocks.com/LIVE to follow along via live options.