WARRENSBURG, Mo. – The (Receiving Vote) Central Missouri Mules (9-2, 2-0 MIAA) defeated the Nebraska-Kearney Lopers (4-5, 0-2 MIAA) by a final score of 99-69, Saturday, Dec. 6, during Warrensburg Day, inside the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center in Warrensburg.   
 
The Mules led by 16 at the break, and opened the second half with back-to-back-to-back threes from Jevon Hill (eight points and four boards overall), reigning MIAA Freshman of the Year Kyran Tilley (16 points, four rebounds, and four assists overall), and guard Jake Fritz (career-high six boards and two assists) en route to a 30-point victory.
 
With the win, Central Missouri secured its first seven-game winning streak since the 2015-16 season as the Mules improved to 9-2 overall, and 2-0 in conference play.  
 
Freshman Lazerek Houston led UCM with 22 points, adding six assists, three rebounds, and two steals, while outscoring the Lopers in bench points 42-17, highlighted by 12 points each from redshirt sophomore AJ Lux (five boards) and forward Carter Kaifes.
 
The Mules out-rebounded Nebraska-Kearney 39-27 on the afternoon as sophomore Deadric Fikes had 12 points and six rebounds, plus forward Noah Martin had seven points, five boards, and a career-high three assists for good measure.
 
Central Missouri shot 57 percent from the floor, including 55 percent from beyond the arc, as freshman Trinell Parker had eight points and Deshawne Crim added five in the winning effort.
 
The Mules continue MIAA play Saturday, Dec. 6, as they head to Topeka, Kan., for a matchup with No. 2 Washburn Ichabods (10-0, 2-0 MIAA), with tip-off slated for 3:00 p.m., inside Lee Arena.