SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Central Missouri Mules (6-2, 0-0 MIAA) defeated the (Receiving Votes) Drury Panthers (4-2, 0-0 GLVC) by a final score of 89-67, Wednesday, Nov. 26, in the final game of the 2025 DoubleTree by Hilton Thanksgiving Classic, inside the O'Reilly Family Event Center in Springfield.   
 
The Panthers led by as many as eight in the opening half but trailed by a pair at the break as forward Jevon Hill led all scorers with nine points, connecting on 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, adding two rebounds through the opening 20 minutes.
 
The Mules never relinquished, shooting 66 percent from the field in the second half, including 78 percent from beyond the arc, improving to 6-2 on the year with their fourth win in a row, making it the first time since the 2020-21 season the Mules have won four consecutive contests.
 
Hill, a native of Wichita, Kan., finished the game with a career-high 30 points, going a career-best 10-of-12 from the floor, including a career-high 9-of-11 from beyond the arc, adding five rebounds for good measure.
 
Three Mules scored in double figures, including the second career double-double for guard Lazerek Houston (13 points, 10 assists, five boards, and two steals overall), while sophomore Deadric Fikes had 10 points and four rebounds as Central Missouri shot 58.6 percent from the field in the win.
 
Reigning MIAA Freshman of the Year Kyran Tilley had a career-high eight assists and four boards, plus forward Trinell Parker grabbed five rebounds, adding a season-best two blocks as both players scored nine points for good measure.
 
Overland Park, Kan. native Jake Fritz had eight points while tying a career-high three assists, plus Noah Martin (two rebounds) and redshirt junior AJ Lux each had three points on the evening.
 
The Mules continue the 2025-26 season Sunday, Nov. 30, hosting the Tabor College (Kan.) Bluejays (2-6, 0-3 KCAC) at 3:00 p.m., inside the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center in Warrensburg.