SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The (Receiving Vote) Central Missouri Mules (10-3, 2-1 MIAA) defeated No. 4 West Texas A&M Buffaloes (10-1, 3-0 LSC) by a final score of 88-78, Tuesday, Dec. 16, in the opening game of the River City Holiday Classic, inside Bill Greehey Arena, on the campus of St. Mary's University, in San Antonio, Texas.
 
The Mules led by eight after 20 minutes of play and never relinquished the lead, marking the first UCM victory over a top-five opponent since Dec. 7, 2019, when the Mules defeated No. 1 Northwest Missouri 72-60 in Warrensburg, ending their 46-game winning streak.
 
In the winning effort, head coach Adam Bohac earned his 350^th career victory, led by freshman Lazerek Houston's game-high 32 points, hitting a season-best 12-of-22 from the floor, including 7-of-8 from the charity stripe, adding a season-high eight rebounds, three assists, and a season-best two blocks for good measure.
 
Four Mules ended the game with double-digit scoring performances, including a season-high 15 points and six boards from forward Trinell Parker, while sophomore Jake Fritz had 13 points on 4-of-8 shooting from the field, adding a career-high seven rebounds and two assists.
 
Central Missouri outscored the Buffs in numerous categories, including points in the paint (48-32), off-turnovers (19-7), and fast break (6-4) as reigning MIAA Freshman of the Year Kyran Tilley had 11 points, four rebounds, and four assists on the afternoon.
 
Shawnee, Kan. native Carter Kaifes totaled eight points and two boards, while junior Jevon Hill had five points, plus forwards Deadric Fikes (four boards) and Noah Martin (two rebounds) had two points each in the winning effort.  
 
The Mules continue the 2025-26 campaign Wednesday, Dec. 17, as they take on No. 7 Lubbock Christian Chaparrals (9-2, 3-1 LSC), in the final game of the River City Holiday Classic, with tip-off slated for 11:00 a.m., inside Bill Greehey Arena, on the campus of St. Mary's University, in San Antonio, Texas.