EMPORIA, Kan. – The Central Missouri Mules (14-6, 5-3 MIAA) fell to the Emporia State Hornets (6-11, 2-6 MIAA) by a final score of 89-88, Saturday, Jan. 17, inside White Auditorium in Emporia.    
 
The Mules opened the game on an 18-6 run, highlighted by a trio of threes from forward Jevon Hill (19 points and five boards overall), taking an eight-point lead into the break.
 
Central Missouri led by as many as 16 in the second half, but the game was tied at 78 with just under 30 seconds to play. The Mules had the final possession of regulation, but Emporia State forced overtime after a pair of second-chance opportunities.
 
Central Missouri had a two-point lead with eight seconds remaining in the overtime period thanks to a Trinell Parker (first career double-double performance with 14 points, season-high 11 rebounds, and three assists overall) fade-away jumper on the second-chance opportunity, but the Hornets' Jack Weigus connected on the game-winning shot in the corner as ESU improved to 6-11 on the year with the victory.
 
Lincoln, Neb. native Lazerek Houston had a game-best 32 points, a game-high six assists, and three boards, while reigning MIAA Freshman of the Year Kyran Tilley contributed 13 points, seven rebounds, and three assists on the afternoon.
 
Sophomore Jake Fritz had five points and four boards, while Houston, Texas native Noah Martin had three points, and forward Kyree Polk added two points as the Mules shot 50 percent from the floor, including 41 percent from beyond the arc in the ballgame for good measure. 
 
The Mules continue MIAA play on Wednesday, Jan. 21, as they host the (Receiving Votes) Missouri Western Griffons (13-6, 5-3 MIAA) for Cancer Awareness Night, with tip-off slated for 7:30 p.m., inside the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center in Warrensburg.