PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Central Missouri Mules (3-2, 0-0 MIAA) defeated the Sioux Falls (S.D.) Cougars (0-2, 0-0 NSIC) by a final score of 82-77, Saturday, Nov. 15, in the final game of the 2025 Central Region Challenge from John Lance Arena, on the campus of Pittsburg State University.
 
The Mules led by seven at the break, as Lazerek Houston (two assists) and Jevon Hill (two blocks) led the way with eight points and three rebounds each.
 
The Cougars trailed by as many as 10 before cutting the deficit to a pair with under a minute to play, but reigning MIAA Freshman of the Year Kyran Tilley (game-high 24 points, five boards, and three assists) posted 18 points in the second half, including a layup with 25 ticks remaining, giving the Mules the lead for good.
 
Four Mules finished the contest with double-digit scoring, including 15 points from Hill, 11 from Houston, and 11 points and three steals from sophomore Jake Fritz as Central Missouri shot 56.9 percent from the field, including 40 percent from beyond the arc.
 
Omaha, Neb., native Trinell Parker had eight points and four rebounds, while forwards Noah Martin (two rebounds) and Deadric Fikes had five points and one block in the winning effort.
 
The Mules continue the 2025-26 campaign Thursday, Nov. 20, as they take on the Upper Iowa Peacocks (2-0, 0-0 GLVC) at 5:30 p.m., for Meet the Mules Night, inside the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center in Warrensburg.