TOPEKA, Kan. – The (Receiving Votes) Central Missouri Mules (9-3, 2-1 MIAA) fell to No. 2 Washburn Ichabods (11-0, 3-0 MIAA) by a final score of 78-72, Saturday, Dec. 13, inside Lee Arena in Topeka.
After the Ichabods started the game on a 7-0 run, Central Missouri responded with an 11-0 run capped off by a triple from
Carter Kaifes (season-high seven boards, six points, and a career-best two steals overall) as the Mules held a two-point lead at the break, led by reigning MIAA Freshman of the Year
Kyran Tilley's (19 points, game-high six assists, and three boards overall) nine points, two boards, and two assists.
With 45.9 remaining in regulation and the Ichabods leading 56-54, head coach
Adam Bohac called a timeout as
Lazerek Houston (game-high 21 points and five rebounds overall) tied the game with a second-chance mid-range jumper with 23.8 remaining. On the ensuing Washburn possession, Central Missouri forced a turnover, but couldn't convert it into points, as overtime was needed.
Trailing 63-61 with 30.1 seconds remaining in overtime, head coach
Adam Bohac called a timeout with 11 seconds remaining on the shot clock. On the ensuing possession, Houston made a mid-range jumper, tying the game.
Washburn called a timeout with the ball and 3.7 seconds remaining, but a second overtime was forced after a contested shot from forward
Trinell Parker (five rebounds and two points overall), as it was the first time the Mules needed two periods of extra-time since the 2015-16 season.
The Ichabods took a six-point lead with just under three to play in double overtime, and never relinquished, led by Dillon Claussen's 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and four blocks.
Forward
Jevon Hill (career-high eight rebounds) and sophomore
Jake Fritz ended the contest with 11 points each for good measure.
The Mules continue the 2025-26 campaign Tuesday, Dec. 16, as they take on No. 8 West Texas A&M Buffs (10-0, 3-0 LSC), in the opening game of the River City Holiday Classic, with tip-off slated for 1:00 p.m., inside Bill Greehey Arena, on the campus of St. Mary's University, in San Antonio, Texas.
