WARRENSBURG, Mo. - The Blue Tigers led the defending national champions seven times, including as late as 10 minutes into the second half, but Central Missouri pulled away for a 71-62 defeat of Lincoln on Wednesday.
Lincoln outshot Central Missouri 62.5 to 31.3 percent from 3-point range, and Blake Ralling hit all five of his 3-point attempts.
The Mules forced four more turnovers, however, and turned their 13 takeaways into 18 points. Central Missouri also got 41 points from its bench compared to Lincoln's four.
Malcolm McDonald led Lincoln with 18 points, and Ralling had 16.
Tony Cochran and Dillon Deck each scored 14 to lead Central Missouri.
Lincoln (4-14) returns to action Saturday at home against Southwest Baptist.