Men

After most of Western's losses this year, you could identify turning points that had they gone the Griffons' way, it was easy to see the result following. Not the case Wednesday in Warrensburg.

The Griffons did make a run in the second half to pull within 63-58 with 8:25 to go, but this game always belonged to the Mules. Central has so many great players and scorers, it's hard to make runs stick against them. Even if Joe Young and De'Andre Bryd aren't hitting, there's always Alex Moosmann to knock down a 3-pointer or Sanijay Watts or Esian Henderson to grab an offensive rebound. Two players can have an off night, and there is plenty left to pick up the slack.

They're quick, athletic, shoot well, rebound, defend. In summary, the Mules are the best team in the conference, and Western don't have the horses to keep pace in Warrensburg, or Kansas City if the standings work out that way.

--- Moosmann might just have played his way onto my first-team, All-MIAA squad that has no relation to the actual all-conference team that matters. Central's point guard had 21 assists and ONE turnover the past two games. On Wednesday, he knocked down the open shots, dished out 11 assists and didn't give the ball away once. Baptist's D'Ante Harris is the better pure shooter, but Moosmann's all-around game is better, I think. Just a terrific performance.

--- The best dunk that didn't count award for this year belongs to Western's Ken Goodwin, who jumped over Josiah Miller to throw down a one-handed slam that left the entire arena buzzing for a minute afterward. A traveling call negated the points, but Goodwin's human hurdle dunk was even better than his tomahawk slam against Truman on Saturday. Even if he ran the entire court without dribbling, you have to let that stand just for the sheer amazement factor.

Women

It might be better if the Griffons lose at Southwest Baptist on Saturday and forgo the embarrassment of a blowout loss to Emporia State in the first round of the MIAA tournament next week.

Western folded up shop at the end of the first half against Central and never looked particularly interested in competing in this one. Rachel Luteyn and Jessica Koch played hard. Kimberly Rickels gave a good effort off the bench, but I have a hard time remembering anyone else who looked like they cared how this game ended.

This team has zero confidence with which to confront adversity. When things go sour, especially early, Western just falls apart. When they can get out and run from the get go, knock down some shots, then it's a different story. But against Truman and Central, Western couldn't withstand an early barrage, and right now, Western is a blowout waiting to happen in Kansas City.

--- I don't know what to make of Central. The Jennies looked like a dark-horse candidate early, starting the MIAA season 9-2, including a win at Washburn. Then it seemed like teams figured out how to defend Kara Fleming, keeping the Jennies from breaking down defenses and opening up those shooters. Central lost five of six and looked like toast. Then here the Jennies come with back-to-back blowout wins, albeit over sub-par competition. Still, I have no idea what to expect from Dave Slifer's team in Kansas City next week. The Jennies certainly can beat a reeling Southern team in the first round or maybe Omaha. I don't like their chances against Pittsburg State, Washburn or Emporia, but, like I said, they seem capable of being stellar or awful depending on the night.