For the first time since 1958 the William Jewell men's basketball team defeated the Central Missouri Mules on Saturday evening by a final of 56-53 to close the Fairfield Inn Classic. The Cardinals gained and early lead which they never relinquished on their way to the win and move to 3-1 on the season. 

How it Happened

• It took nearly two minutes to break the ice but the Cardinals took an early 12-4 lead behind five points from Nick Bradley. The Mules pulled within two with just over six minutes remaining in the first half but five points from Mason Alexander and three pointer at the buzzer by Kobe McKinley gave Jewell a seven point advantage at the half. 
•  A three from Jackson Golightly just 90 seconds into the second half gave the Cardinals their biggest lead of the game at 11. Central Missouri followed with a 10-2 run to pull within two with less than five minutes to play. A lay up from Dyllan Robinson made it a one point game with 40 seconds on the clock but Bradley sunk two free throws late to seal the win. 

For the Cardinals

• Eysan Wiley finished with a game-high 13 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks. 
• Bradley totaled nine points while dishing out five assists. 
• Jewell went 21-for-45 from the floor for nearly 47 percent. 

For the Mules 

• Joshua Greer posted nine points to lead the Mules while Robinson had eight rebounds. 
• Central Missouri was held to 31 percent shooting, going 20-for-64. 

Up Next
Jewell will travel to Maryville, Mo. on Thursday to challenge the No. 1 ranked and defending national champions Northwest Missouri State at 7 p.m.