WARRENSBURG, Mo. - Justin Bubak's 14 points and Julius Dixon's game-winner helped Missouri Western (11-5, 3-3 MIAA) to a 59-55 win over Central Missouri (7-8, 2-4 MIAA) in the MIAA Game of the Week at Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center. 

With the thrilling MIAA win consisting of seven lead changes and six ties, the Griffons snapped a three-game losing skid against the Mules and achieved their first victory in Warrensburg since December 5, 2019.
 
The Mules started the game hot with five points in their opening possessions before senior Kiani Saxon answered with a three-pointer to open Western's scoring. Five minutes later, the Griffs tied the game for the first time at 10-10 following a successful layup from Bukak.
 
With less than a minute left in the first half, senior Zion Swader made a pair of free throws to give Western its first lead at 27-26. This lead would hold until halftime, thanks to a strong defensive effort that kept the Mules scoreless for the final 3:52 of the half.
 
MWSU recorded a shooting percentage of 40% (10-25) in the low-scoring first half. Bubak was the team's top scorer, contributing six points with 3-of-5 shooting. Ethan Kilgore and Saxon stood out on the defensive side, delivering crucial blocked shots that helped turn the momentum toward the Griffons in the latter stages.
 
Both teams elevated their offensive production to start the second half, exchanging the lead five times and tying the score twice within the first 10 minutes. Bubak shined out with six points, including two three-pointers on four attempts. However, a seven-point contribution from UCM's Tim Jordon Jr. gave the Mules a narrow 46-43 lead with 10:45 remaining.
 
The MIAA Game of the Week did not disappoint in the final moments.
 
With just over two minutes remaining, senior Zane Nelson knocked down his fifth basket of the game to tie it before the Griffs regained the lead at 57-55 with a contested game-winning bucket with 38 seconds remaining from Dixon. Bubak would ultimately seal the four-point victory with a pair of one-and-one makes.
 
Missouri Western finished the game shooting 21-for-50 (42%) from the field. They won the battle in the paint 28-24 and collected 14 points off UCM turnovers. Bubak led the offensive attack, matching a career-high 14 points for the second straight game and leading the team with seven rebounds. Nelson also scored in double-figures with 13 points.
 
The Griffons will return to action on the road next Thursday night against the Fort Hays State Tigers. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kansas. The game will be broadcast on the Griffon Sports Network (Varsity Network App, GoGriffons.com/listen).