(WARRENSBURG, Mo.) – The Mules are happy to be home and ready to play pivotal games in front of their fans. A season high six-game winning streak came to an end against the team that sparked it back on Dec. 10.

The first test came against Missouri Western in which the Mules resisted a second half surge from the Griffons and won 69-64. A rematch with Northwest Missouri State snapped the six-game winning streak and sent the Mules home wondering what they have to do to dethrone the Bearcats. The game against the Bearcats was a big step forward for the Mules who lost the first meeting by 24 points, but managed to roll with the Bearcats in their second meeting before going cold and falling 70-61.

Lincoln and Lindenwood will travel to Warrensburg to take on the Mules this week in games that could shape the rest of the season. At the moment, the Mules sit fourth in the MIAA standings behind Washburn, Missouri Southern and Northwest. With four contests remaining against Washburn and Missouri Southern, the Mules can’t afford anymore losses.

The Lincoln Blue Tigers will be in town Jan. 18 with tipoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. The Blue Tigers have a less than impressive 8-9 record, but their ability to rebound the ball and shoot from range will make this an interesting challenge for the Mules. Look for Maurice Mason to make an impact; the senior guard has scored double figures in all nine games he’s played.

Lindenwood sports an 11-6 record this season, but is coming off a discouraging 20-point loss to Pittsburg State at home. The Lions should not be judged based off that one game, they’ve given undefeated Washburn perhaps their toughest challenge of the season. Similar to the Mules, the Lions are in a position where losses are unacceptable if they want to make anything out of this season. Brad Newman has been the key to the Lions’ success of late, having surpassed the 20-point mark in his last three games. The Lions will travel to Warrensburg Jan. 20, tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

For the Mules, D.J. Richardson will look to stay hot as he has led the team in scoring over the past two contests with 17 points. Jakob Lowrance is also on the radar after his near double-double against the Bearcats. The key to success in these upcoming games is to shoot the ball well for the whole game. If the Mules can shoot well in both halves, then it will be difficult to beat them.

Winning these games are imperative to the Mules’ success. If the Mules want to compete for a conference championship and make a deep run in the NCAA tournament, they need to beat teams below them in the standings.