WARRENSBURG, Mo. – The Central Missouri Mules (4-2, 0-0 MIAA) defeated the Upper Iowa Peacocks (2-1, 0-0 GLVC) by a final score of 84-79, Thursday, Nov. 20, during Meet the Mules Night, inside the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center in Warrensburg.  
 
The Mules led by eight at the break, as reigning MIAA Freshman of the Year Kyran Tilley (game-high 26 points, five rebounds, and two assists overall) led the way with 15 points, going 6-of-9 from the field, while freshman Lazerek Houston (19 points, five boards, and four assists overall) added 11 points and four rebounds.  
 
The Peacocks responded by taking a seven-point lead with 10:45 remaining, before the Mules cut the deficit to one possession thanks to a converted four-point play from sophomore Jake Fritz. Fritz, a native of Overland Park, Kan. scored all 18 points in the second half, connecting on 4-of-5 from beyond the arc, adding five boards and two steals for good measure.
 
Beginning with a pair of Noah Martin (nine points, six rebounds, and two assists overall) made free throws with nine minutes remaining, Central Missouri went on a 12-4 run and never relinquished en route to their fourth win of the season, and the 43^rd home opening win inside the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center in program history.  
 
The Mules shot an even 50 percent from the field in the contest as forward Jevon Hill had seven points and four boards, plus sophomore Deadric Fikes had five rebounds and two points, and freshman Carter Kaifes had three points in the winning effort.
 
The Mules continue the 2025-26 campaign Tuesday, Nov. 25, as they take on the McKendree Bearcats (2-0, 0-0 GLVC) at 3:15 p.m., in the opening game of the DoubleTree Thanksgiving Classic, inside the O'Reilly Family Event Center in Springfield, Mo.