WARRENSBURG, Mo. – The Central Missouri Mules (15-6, 6-3 MIAA) defeated the Missouri Western Griffons (13-7, 5-4 MIAA) by a final score of 97-83, Wednesday, Jan. 21, during Cancer Awareness Night, inside the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center.     
 
The Mules trailed by one at the break, but opened the second half on an 11-4 run highlighted by five points from sophomore Jake Fritz (seven points, two boards, and two assists) while reigning MIAA Freshman of the Year Kyran Tilley (20 points, career-high five steals, and four rebounds) added a pair as Central Missouri never relinquished the lead earning their 15^th victory of the season.
 
Four Mules ended the contest with double-digit scoring performances, including a game-high 31 points, five boards, and four assists from Lincoln, Neb. native Lazerek Houston, while freshman Trinell Parker had a season-best 19 points, five rebounds, and a season-high four assists for good measure.
 
Junior Jevon Hill had 15 points and eight boards as the Mules out-rebounded Missouri Western by a margin of 38-21, as forwards Noah Martin (five points) and Carter Kaifes grabbed four rebounds each. With the win, Central Missouri improved to 7-0 at home for the first time since the 2018-19 campaign.
 
The Mules continue MIAA play on Saturday, Jan. 24, as they host the Northwest Missouri Bearcats (9-11, 2-7 MIAA) for the Blackout Game, with tip-off slated for 3:00 p.m., inside the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center in Warrensburg.