The Lincoln men's basketball team will try to extend its win streak to four games tonight against the Central Missouri Mules at Jason Gym.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
With three games remaining in the regular season - all at home - the Blue Tigers (14-11) enter tonight's matchup in sixth place in the MIAA standings with an 8-8 record. Central Missouri (19-5) is in fourth place with an 11-4 conference record.
The top four teams in the final MIAA standings receive first-round byes, while the Nos. 5-8 teams will host opening-round matchups. Lincoln is a half-game ahead of Fort Hays State, Pittsburg State and Nebraska-Kearney, all with 7-8 records.
The Mules have three starters scoring in double figures, led by 6-foot-3 guard Spencer Reaves with 15.8 points per game. Jakob Lowrance, a 6-8 center, averages 14.9 points and a team-high 7.0 rebounds, while 6-4 guard DJ Richardson is averaging 13.4 points.
The Mules lead the MIAA in team free-throw percentage (78.6) and are second in scoring defense, holding opponents to 65.3 points per game.
Central Missouri is receiving votes in this week's NABC Division II Top 25 poll and is ranked fifth in the first unveiling of the Central Region Rankings.
Lincoln has four players averaging double figures in scoring, led by Amariontez Ivory with 15.3 points per game. Terrance Smith (14.7), John Burton (12.8) and Maurice Mason (10.8) are also in double figures, while Marquise Williams (9.8) leads the Blue Tigers with 8.4 rebounds per game.
In their previous matchup Jan. 18 at Warrensburg, the Mules defeated the Blue Tigers 67-57.
The women's game opens the doubleheader at 5:30 p.m.
Central Missouri (20-2, 14-1 MIAA), which is first place in the conference, is ranked No. 9 in Division II and No. 2 in the Central Region Rankings.
The Jennies are led by 5-8 guard Paige Redmond, who averages 16.2 points per game and has a team-high 79 assists. Morgan Fleming, a 6-0 guard/forward, averages 13.0 points, while 6-0 guard/forward Megan Skaggs is also in double figures with 10.6 points per game. Kayonna Lee, a 6-1 forward, leads the Jennies with 8.6 rebounds per contest.
Central Missouri had a 16-game win streak snapped last week, but bounced back last Saturday with an 80-63 win against Missouri Southern.
Lincoln (3-21, 0-16 MIAA) is coming of an 81-75 overtime loss against Lindenwood on Tuesday.
The Blue Tigers have three players hovering around 10 points per game. Citlali Lopez leads the team at 10.3, followed closely by Faith Brintle (9.8) and Bre Coleman (9.7), who also averages 7.8 rebounds per game.
Brintle led Lincoln with 21 points in Tuesday night's loss. Coleman had a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Following today's games, Lincoln will have a full week off before wrapping up the regular season at home next Thursday against Missouri Western and Saturday against Northwest Missouri.