A decent start but disastrous second half left the Cardinals on the short end of a 50-48 decision in the opening round of the Kaminsky Classic.  

The Cardinals and Mules mirrored each other for most of the first half.  It was the last two minutes of the second quarter when the Cardinals put together a string of baskets that enabled them to go from a two point advantage (19-17) to a 28-20 half time lead.  A bucket from Holden Johnson and five straight five points from Trae Turner began the surge.  Two free throws from Eli Pace  finished the 9-3 run.

A quick bucket from Holton Keith gave the Cardinals a ten point lead at the 7:00 minute mark of the third quarter.  However, Webb City would go the next six and half minutes without a basket, before a three pointer from Turner.  The Mules, struggling as well, were able to close the gap and only trailed the Cardinals by one, 35-34, at the end of the quarter.

Scoring first in the final stanza, the Mules took a lead they would not surrender.  The Cardinals did not go away, but each time the would tie up of the score, the Mules would find an answer.  Trailing by only one in the final minute, it looked as if the Cardinal defense had created a turn over that Holton Keith gathered in and was heading for lay up, but a whistle behind the play picked up a Cardinal loose ball foul.  Hitting one of two free throws put the Mules up two inside 30 seconds left in the game.  

Still with a chance, Webb City ran a set play and looked to be successful as Eli Pace was fouled under the rim, and after making both free throws, the game was tied with only 12 seconds left.  However, the Mules had the last chance and with only 2 seconds left sunk the game winner and sent the Cardinals to the consolation bracket.

Eli Pace led the offense with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.  Trae Turner finished with 11 and Holton Keith chipped in 10.  

The Cardinals will take on William Chrisman on Friday afternoon.