WARRENSBURG, Mo. – The Central Missouri Mules (15-7, 6-4 MIAA) fell to the Northwest Missouri Bearcats (10-11, 3-7 MIAA) by a final score of 80-79, Friday, Jan. 23, during the annual Blackout Game, inside the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center.     
 
The Mules led by as many as 12 in the second half but found themselves leading 79-78 with eight seconds to play. On the inbound, Northwest's Royce Williams connected on a mid-range jumper at the buzzer, helping the Bearcats improve to 10-11 on the season.
 
Lincoln, Neb. native Lazerek Houston led the way with a game-high 34 points, seven rebounds, a game-best six assists, and three steals, while forward Trinell Parker added 13 points and four boards in the ballgame.
 
Reigning MIAA Freshman of the Year Kyran Tilley had nine points, five assists, and four boards, plus forward Noah Martin ended the contest with six points on 2-of-3 from the floor, adding five rebounds for good measure.
 
Central Missouri outscored the Bearcats in points in the paint (44-24), off turnovers (21-14), and second-chance points (16-7) as Jake Fritz (four boards) and Jevon Hill (three rebounds) contributed five points each.
 
Denver, Colo. native Kyree Polk had four points and four boards, while freshman Carter Kaifes added three points, two assists, and two steals on the night.
 
The Mules continue MIAA play Thursday, Jan. 29, as they head to the Health & Sports Center for a matchup with the Nebraska-Kearney Lopers (10-10, 3-6 MIAA), with tip-off slated for 7:30 p.m.