PITTSBURG, Kan. -- The Mules allowed Pittsburg State to shoot nearly 53 percent from the field as they fell to the Gorillas 80-69 on Thursday night at John Lance Arena. The Gorillas led by as many as 21 in the game as the Mules fall to 9-4 overall and 3-4 in MIAA play.

The Mules took their only lead of the night at 5-4 on a three-point play by D'Marnier Cunningham, but the Gorillas (8-7, 3-6 MIAA) scored seven straight points to regain the lead that they would not relinquish. A jumper from Spencer Reaves cut the lead to five at 12-7, but four quick points gave PSU a 16-7 lead with 12:08 to play in the first half.

An 8-2 run by the Mules, including a three-point play from Brad Woodson cut the lead to three at 18-15, but the Gorillas scored seven straight points to grab a 10-point lead. It was part of a larger run, 20-4, that gave PSU a 38-19 lead with 3:30 left in the first half. The lead grew to 21 at 42-21 with 1:27 left in the opening period, but the Mules closed the half on a 9-0 run on three straight three-pointers from Kyle Wolf to pull within 42-30 at halftime.

Central Missouri got to within 10 a few different times early in the second half, but could get no closer. The Gorillas were able to push the lead back to 20 at the 7:25 mark. They led by 19 with just over five minutes left in regulation before the Mules made a late run to get within 11.

Cunningham led UCM with 19 points and seven rebounds, while Spencer Reaves added 13 and Wolf added 12. The Mules shot 44 percent in the game (24-54), but made just 8-of-26 three-point attempts and 13-of-23 free throws.

Pitt State had four players in double figures, led by Trey Starks' 19 points. The Gorillas shot 52.8 percent (28-53) and made 6-of-19 three-pointers and 18-of-23 free throws.

PSU outscored UCM 40-24 in the paint, 39-16 from the bench and 13-5 in points off turnovers. UCM had eight assists and 11 turnovers compared to 17 assists and 10 giveaways for the Gorillas.

The Mules are back in action on Saturday afternoon at Missouri Southern. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. at the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center in Joplin. The game can be heard live on 1450 KOKO, 98.5 The Bar and warrensburgradio.com with Greg Hassler on the call.