SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The (Receiving Vote) Central Missouri Mules (10-4, 2-1 MIAA) fell to No. 7 Lubbock Christian Chaparrals (10-2, 3-1 LSC) by a final score of 70-65, Wednesday, Dec. 17, in the final 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 three at the break, thanks to eight points on 3-of-4 shooting, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc by forward Carter Kaifes, who added four boards and a season-high two assists for good measure in the ballgame.  
 
Central Missouri started the second half with back-to-back threes from sophomore Jake Fritz (five points, two assists, and two rebounds overall) and reigning MIAA Freshman of the Year Kyran Tilley (15 points, two boards, and two steals overall), but the Chaparrals answered with a 12-0 run of their own and never relinquished, earning their 10^th win of the season.
 
Lincoln, Neb. native Lazerek Houston led the Mules with a game-high 16 points, adding a game-best five assists, and two rebounds, while forwards Deadric Fikes (five boards, career-high three assists, and two steals) and Trinell Parker (six rebounds) had six points each.
 
Central Missouri outscored the Chaps in four offensive categories, including bench points (19-5), off turnovers (15-13), fast breaks (13-11), and second chance (10-8) as junior Noah Martin had five points and two rebounds, plus Wichita, Kan. native Jevon Hill added four points and four boards on the afternoon.
 
The Mules wrap up the 2025 calendar year Sunday, Dec. 21, as they host the Maryville Saints (1-9, 0-4 GLVC), during Hoops for the Holidays, with tip-off slated for 1:00 p.m., inside the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center in Warrensburg.