Mules get stubborn on Tigers

POPLAR BLUFF -- Ryan Delph scored 23 points but it was not enough to help short-handed Central avoid its first SEMO Conference loss on Friday night.

The state-ranked Poplar Bluff Mules led from wire to wire in a 76-42 decision played in front of a standing-room only crowd for homecoming.

The Tigers (15-4, 2-1 SEMO) turned the ball over in each of their first three possessions, helping Poplar Bluff (13-6, 2-0 and No. 9 in Class 5) open with a 7-0 run. The Mules never looked back.

All-state center Tyler Hansbrough scored 17 points, including 9-of-15 shooting performance from the free-throw line for Poplar Bluff.

Anthony Gilberto led the Mules with 18 points and outscored the Tigers 11-8 in the first quarter, hitting back-to-back 3-pointers to cap a 20-2 run. Todd Obergoenner cut Poplar Bluff's lead to 28-8 just before the first buzzer.

Central had more turnovers than field goals in the first half and trailed 50-18 at the break.

The Tigers, who were without Scott Chestnutt, Will Johnson and Mitch Craft, due to suspension, as well as junior Eli Harris and senior Alex Espinoza due to knee injuries, got eight points from sophomore Garrett Ozbun. Delph's strong night left him 11 points shy of 1,000 for his career.

Poplar Bluff hit 68 percent of its shots in the first half, including eight of 11 from behind the arc.

The Mules extended their lead to 40 on Hansbrough's put-back dunk midway through the third quarter.

Central outscored Poplar Bluff 14-8 in the final period.

The teams have now split their two meetings this season, with the Tigers beating Bluff at the Sikeston tournament without Hansbrough.