Mount Union used a big second half to break open a close game en route to beating Muskingum on Wednesday night in the Recreation Center, 73-50.

Muskingum was paced by junior Logan Kimble who scored a game-high 16 points with five rebounds. Senior Dave Brown added a 14-point performance that included going 7-of-7 from the free throw line.

Sophomore Cody Seiler had eight points and seven rebounds, while senior Clay Owings grabbed seven boards.

The Muskies ended the night with a season-best six blocks but were haunted by a cold night of shooting. Muskingum finished the contest hitting 16-of-58 (.276) from the field.

Mount Union (13-3, 8-1) was led by Jarrett Ruffin who posted a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds. T.J. Gillespie added 10 points and seven assists.

The Purple Raiders shot .379 (25-of-66) from the floor and ended the outing with a 53-31 advantage in rebounds.

In the first half, Muskingum raced out to an 11-4 lead through the opening three minutes of play. Mount Union fought back and tied the game at 17-17 with 10 minutes on the clock. The Purple Raiders took a 31-25 lead into the break.

Mount Union opened the second frame with five straight points to extend its lead to 36-25. The Muskies responded with a 16-9 run over the next seven minutes to trim their deficit to 45-41 with 11:13 on the clock.

The Purples Raiders answered the Muskie charge with a 12-2 surge to take a 57-43 lead with less than eight minutes to play and control of the game.

Muskingum (7-9, 2-7) plays next at Otterbein on Saturday, January 25. Game time is slated for 7:30 p.m.