PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Central Missouri Mules (2-2, 0-0 MIAA) fell to the (Receiving Votes) Minnesota State Mavericks (2-1, 0-0 NSIC) by a final score of 81-63 Friday, Nov. 14, in the opening game of the 2025 Central Region Challenge from John Lance Arena, on the campus of Pittsburg State University.
 
The Mavericks led by nine at the break and never relinquished as they improved to 2-1 on the season, highlighted by Malcolm Jones' game-high 26 points, six rebounds, and three blocks.  
 
The Mules had four double-digit scoring performances on the afternoon from Lazerek Houston (15 points, two assists, and two steals overall), Jevon Hill (11 points and four rebounds overall), Jake Fritz (11 points, three boards, and two assists overall) and reigning MIAA Freshman of the Year Kyran Tilley (11 points, team-best seven rebounds, and three assists overall).
 
Central Missouri outscored the Mavericks in points off turnovers by a margin of 12-10, as sophomore Deadric Fikes had six points and five boards, while Fort Worth, Texas native Naz Brown had five points and two steals.
 
Freshman Trinell Parker had four points, plus Noah Martin grabbed four rebounds on the afternoon for good measure.   
 
The Mules continue the 2025-26 campaign Saturday, Nov. 15, as they take on the Sioux Falls Cougars (0-0, 0-0 NSIC) at 3:00 p.m., in the final game of the Central Region Challenge, from John Lance Arena in Pittsburg, Kan.