ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Central Missouri Mules (9-9, 4-5 MIAA) fell to the Missouri Western Griffons (13-6, 5-4 MIAA) by a final score of 81-62 on Wednesday, Jan. 22, inside the MWSU Fieldhouse in St. Joseph, Mo.             
 
The Griffons had an 11-point lead at the break and never relinquished en route to their 13^th win of the season improving to 5-4 in conference play led by Zane Nelson's 22 points, five assists, four boards, and three steals.
 
Kansas City, Mo. native Elijah Farr paced the Mules offensively with 17 points along with a season and game-high 11 boards while freshman Kyran Tilley had 16 points and five rebounds going 4-of-5 from beyond the arc.
 
Forward Tim Jordan Jr. (team-best four assists and two rebounds) and Overland Park, Kan. native Jake Fritz each contributed eight points on the night while seniors Jack Chapman (three boards) and DeAirius Barker had five points each for good measure. 
 
UCM out-rebounded the Griffons by a margin of 33-25 on the night while outscoring MWSU in the paint 24-20 as Oklahoma City, Okla. native Josh Nwankwo ended the contest with three points, three rebounds, and three assists.
 
Central Missouri returns to the court on Saturday, Jan. 22, as they continue MIAA play against the Northwest Missouri Bearcats (4-14, 2-7 MIAA) beginning at 3:30 p.m. inside Bearcat Arena in Maryville, Mo.