JOPLIN, Mo. – The Central Missouri Mules (14-13, 9-9 MIAA) defeated to the Missouri Southern Lions (11-16, 6-12 MIAA) by a final score of 78-56 on Thursday, Feb. 27, inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center in Joplin.             
 
The Mules led by five at the break and began the second half on an 11-2 run and never relinquished en route to their 14^th win of the season led by freshman Kyran Tilley's game-high 20 points, shooting 7-of-12 from the floor including six rebounds for good measure.
 
Cincinnati, Ohio native DeAirius Barker contributed 16 points connecting on 50 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc while sophomore Tim Jordan Jr. had 11 points and forward Josh Nwankwo added 10 points and a game-high eight rebounds in the winning effort.
 
Forward Elijah Farr finished the game with nine points, five rebounds, and a game-high three steals while O'Fallon, Mo. native KJ Lee (three boards) and sophomore Corey Skillman Jr. had three points each.
 
Central Missouri outscored the Lions in numerous offensive categories including points in the paint (28-16), second chance (12-4), and points off turnovers (8-2) as freshman Kyree Polk (four rebounds), forward Yafet Haile, and Overland Park, Kan. native Jake Fritz each scored two points on the night.
 
Central Missouri returns to the court on Saturday, March 1, as they conclude the MIAA regular season against the Pittsburg State Gorillas (11-15, 6-11 MIAA) beginning at 7:30 p.m. inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center in Joplin.