KEARNEY, Neb. – The Central Missouri Mules (16-7, 7-4 MIAA) defeated the Nebraska-Kearney Lopers (10-12, 3-8 MIAA) by a final score of 92-53, Thursday, Jan. 29, inside the Health & Sports Center in Kearney.     
 
Central Missouri jumped out to a 12-point advantage halfway through the opening half of play on a 16-2 run highlighted by nine points from Lazerek Houston (18 points, four assists, and three steals overall) as the Mules had a 22-point lead at the break.
 
UCM never trailed in the second half of play, improving to 16-7 on the year and 7-4 in MIAA play, as four Mules scored in double figures, highlighted by a game-high 26 points on 7-of-10 from the floor, including 6-of-9 from beyond the arc, and five rebounds from Jevon Hill.
 
Omaha, Neb. native Trinell Parker extended his double-digit scoring streak to nine with 15 points, on 6-of-9 from the floor, including a game-best nine rebounds as the Mules dictated the glass with 48 boards to UNK's 34 in the ballgame.
 
Reigning MIAA Freshman of the Year Kyran Tilley contributed 12 points, four assists, and three rebounds, while Jake Fritz had five points and four rebounds as Central Missouri outscored the Lopers in numerous offensive categories, including points in the paint (46-18), second chance points (17-2), and points off turnovers (17-5) for good measure.
 
Junior Noah Martin had eight points, while Kyree Polk added four points, plus Naz Brown and Carter Kaifes added a pair as the Mules' bench outscored UNK's 16-15 in the winning effort.
 
Redshirt sophomore AJ Lux grabbed five boards, guard Deshawne Crim had three rebounds, and junior Judah Sault grabbed a board as Central Missouri held the Lopers to just 31 percent from the floor, which is the lowest shooting percentage the Mules have allowed this season.  
 
The Mules continue MIAA play on Saturday, Jan. 31, as they head to Gross Memorial Coliseum for a matchup with the (Receiving Votes) Fort Hays State Tigers (15-5, 7-4 MIAA), with tip-off slated for 4:00 p.m.