WARRENSBURG, Mo. – The (Receiving Votes) Central Missouri Mules (22-8, 13-5 MIAA) defeated the Missouri Southern Lions (16-11, 10-8 MIAA) by a final score of 95-69, Wednesday, Feb. 25, during Military Appreciation Night, inside the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center in Warrensburg.     
 
The Lions opened the scoring with a pair of baskets, but Central Missouri responded with a 20-3 run, highlighted by eight points from guard Lazerek Houston (game-high 25 points and seven assists overall). Houston, a native of Lincoln, Neb., ended the first half of play with 16 points, on 5-of-11 from the field, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc, adding four assists as UCM led by 11 at the break.
 
The Mules never relinquished the lead in the second half of play, as they cruised to their 22^nd victory of the season, which is the most wins in a single season since the 2016-17 campaign.
 
Four UCM players finished the ballgame in double figures, including 20 points, on 5-of-6 from the field, including 3-of-4 from three, while adding a game-best eight rebounds and a career-high seven free throws by forward Jevon Hill, while freshman Carter Kaifes recorded a season-best 17 points, connecting on 7-of-11 from the floor, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc for good measure.
 
Omaha, Neb., native Trinell Parker ended the night with 16 points, six boards, a season-high three steals, and three blocks as the Mules out-rebounded Missouri Southern 39-27 in the ballgame.
 
Sophomore Jake Fritz had seven points and four rebounds, plus reigning MIAA Freshman of the Year Kyran Tilley contributed a game-best seven assists, six points, six rebounds, and a career-high five steals in the winning effort.  
 
The Mules conclude the MIAA regular season on Saturday, Feb. 28, during Alumni Reunion / UCM Athletics Hall of Fame Day, as they take on the Pittsburg State Gorillas (15-13, 9-9 MIAA), with tip-off slated for 3:00 p.m. inside the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center in Warrensburg.