SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The Central Missouri Mules (6-5, 1-1 MIAA) defeated to No. 9 North Georgia Nighthawks (9-3, 1-0 PBC) by a final score of 53-52 in the final day of the River City Holiday Classic on Wednesday, Dec. 18, inside the Northeast ISD Sports Gym in San Antonio.          
 
The Mules opened play on an 11-3 run highlighted by a triple from sophomore Corey Skillman Jr. (three points and two rebounds overall) off an assist from Kansas City, Mo. native Elijah Farr (eight points, five rebounds, and three assists overall), but trailed by one at the break.  
 
Central Missouri responded in the second half going on a 15-4 run taking a 10-point advantage with 15 minutes to go, but the Nighthawks found themselves trailing by one as they called a timeout with 15 seconds remaining and the ball.
 
Central Missouri withstood the final UNG offensive possession forcing a long-range three-point attempt earning their sixth win of the season marking the first win over a top 10 ranked opponent since Jan. 18 of 2020.

Junior Josh Nwankwo led the Mules with a game and season-high 17 points going 6-of-12 from the floor including a perfect 4-for-4 from the charity stripe adding a team-best seven boards for good measure.  
 
Guard DeAirius Barker contributed nine points and a season-high four steals while senior Jack Chapman added eight points and seven rebounds as the Mules outscored North Georgia 30-22 in the paint and 11-2 on the fast break.
 
Overland Park, Kan. native Jake Fritz had six points, three assists, and two rebounds while forward Yafet Haile had two points on the afternoon.  
 
Central Missouri returns to the court on Saturday, Dec. 21, as they continue MIAA play hosting No. 2 Washburn Ichabods (10-0, 2-0 MIAA) during "Hoops for the Holidays" with tip-off slated for 3:00 p.m. inside the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center in Warrensburg.