KANSAS CITY, Mo. – No. 2 Central Missouri Mules (23-9, 14-5 MIAA) fell to No. 7 Missouri Southern Lions (18-12, 10-9 MIAA) by a final score of 70-67, Thursday, March 5, during the 2026 MIAA Men's Basketball Championship Quarterfinals, inside historic Municipal Auditorium in downtown Kansas City, Mo.     
 
After trailing by 11 after 20 minutes of play, the Mules found themselves down 48-31 with just under 15 minutes remaining in regulation.
 
Central Missouri began a 15-3 run with a layup from MIAA Player and Freshman of the Year Lazerek Houston (game-high 29 points, game-best five assists, and two rebounds), while MIAA All-Defensive and Third Team selection Kyran Tilley (nine points and three boards) had five points during the run for good measure.
 
All-MIAA Second Team member Jevon Hill ended the contest with nine points and a team-high seven rebounds, while Carter Kaifes' eight points and Noah Martin's six points helped the Mules outscore Missouri Southern's bench 14-4.
 
Trinell Parker (four points) and Jake Fritz (two points) each grabbed five rebounds as Central Missouri shot 48 percent from the floor in the second half of play for good measure.