WARRENSBURG, Mo. – The (Receiving Votes) Central Missouri Mules (12-4, 3-1 MIAA) defeated the Emporia State Hornets (4-8, 0-3 MIAA) by a final score of 78-71, Thursday, Jan. 1, during New Year's with the Mules, inside the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center in Warrensburg.
The Hornets led by four at the break and extended their lead to seven with just under 14 minutes remaining in regulation, but Central Missouri responded with a 13-2 run beginning with a triple from forward
Jevon Hill (game-high 17 points, five boards, and two steals overall) off an assist from freshman
Lazerek Houston and never relinquished en route to their 12
th victory of the season.
Houston, a native of Lincoln, Neb., finished the contest with his third double-double of the season with 13 points, a season-best 12 assists, a season-high seven rebounds, and two steals, while guard
Jake Fritz contributed a game-high 17 points, on a career-best 7-of-10 from the field, adding two boards, and two steals for good measure.
In the winning effort, all five starters scored double-figures, including a season-high 16 points and seven rebounds from freshman
Trinell Parker, while the reigning MIAA Freshman of the Year,
Kyran Tilley, had 10 points, a career-best eight boards, three assists, two steals, and two blocks.
The Mules outscored Emporia State in points off turnovers (17-12) and second-chance points (9-6) as forward
Carter Kaifes ended the game with five points and two rebounds on the night.
The Mules continue MIAA play on Wednesday, Jan. 7, as they take on the Northwest Missouri Bearcats (8-6, 1-2 MIAA), with tip-off slated for 7:30 p.m., inside Bearcat Arena in Maryville, Mo.
