CLAREMORE, Okla. – No. 25 Central Missouri Mules (20-8, 11-5 MIAA) fell to the Rogers State Hillcats (17-8, 11-5 MIAA) by a final score of 70-61, Thursday, Feb. 19, inside the Claremore Expo Center in Claremore, Okla.     
 
The Hillcats opened the scoring with a basket, before defending MIAA Athlete of the Week Lazerek Houston (six points and one steal) connected on back-to-back triples, making it a 6-2 advantage.
 
With the score tied at 14, the Mules opened an 11-0 run highlighted by triples from Carter Kaifes (12 points and three rebounds), AJ Lux (two assists and two boards), and Noah Martin (four rebounds) as UCM led by six at the break.
 
Rogers State outscored the Mules 43-28 in the second half, highlighted by an 8-0 run as the Hillcats improved to 17-8 overall, and 11-5 in MIAA play, snapping UCM's five-game winning streak. 
 
Reigning MIAA Freshman of the Year Kyran Tilley led the Mules with 15 points, adding four assists and two steals, while forward Jevon Hill ended the night with seven points, three rebounds, and two steals.
 
Omaha, Neb. native Trinell Parker had six points and three boards, while Jake Fritz had six points, a career-high four assists, and four rebounds as the Mules outscored RSU in bench points 22-16 in the ballgame. 
 
The Mules continue MIAA play on Saturday, Feb. 21, as they take on the Central Oklahoma Bronchos (15-13, 8-8 MIAA), with tip-off slated for 3:30 p.m. inside Hamilton Field House in Edmond, Okla.