HAYS, Kan. – The Central Missouri Mules (17-7, 8-4 MIAA) defeated the (Receiving Votes) Fort Hays State Tigers (15-6, 7-5 MIAA) by a final score of 61-49, Saturday, Jan. 31, inside Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kan. This is the first road victory over the Tigers since Dec. 4, 2014 and the first time since Feb. 13, 2010 when both the Mules and Jennies swept the doubleheader, following an 81-69 victory over the fifth-ranked team in the country prior to tip-off. 
 
The Mules opened the game on a 9-3 run highlighted by four points from Trinell Parker (game-high 17 points, three rebounds, and three assists), while sophomore Jake Fritz (six points and three boards) added a triple for good measure.
 
Freshman Lazerek Houston (16 points, eight rebounds, and a game-best six assists) gave Central Missouri a 10-point lead at the break with a buzzer-beating step-back three-pointer as the Mules never trailed in the second half of play, improving to 17-7 on the year and 8-4 in MIAA play.
 
Three UCM players scored double figures, including 11 points on 3-of-8 from beyond the arc from Jevon Hill, while forward Carter Kaifes (five rebounds) and reigning MIAA Freshman of the Year Kyran Tilley (four boards) ended the game with five points each.
 
The Mules continue MIAA play on Saturday, Feb. 7, as they host No. 1 Washburn Ichabods (22-0, 12-0 MIAA), with tip-off slated for 3:00 p.m. inside the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center in Warrensburg.