BILLINGS, Mont. – The Central Missouri Mules (1-0, 0-0 MIAA) defeated No. 10 Colorado School of Mines Orediggers (0-1, 0-0 RMAC) by a final score of 96-84 Friday, Nov. 7, in the opening game of the 2025 D2CCA Tip-Off Classic from Alterowitz Gymnasium in Billings, Mont.
 
The Mules led by 18 points at the break, as Central Missouri shot 60 percent from the floor, highlighted by 11 points from junior Jevon Hill, while guard Lazerek Houston had 10 points, seven assists, and three rebounds for good measure.
 
The Orediggers cut the lead to six points, but Central Missouri never relinquished, earning the 89th season-opening win in program history, led by Houston's double-double performance. The Lincoln, Neb. native ended the game with 35 points, going 12-of-19 from the floor, adding 11 assists, five rebounds, and four steals.
 
Four Mules scored in double figures overall, including 16 points and four rebounds from Hill, while forwards Deadric Fikes (14 points and a game-high five steals) and Trinell Parker (13 points and seven rebounds) had one block each in the winning effort.
 
On the afternoon, the Mules shot 60.9 percent from the field as junior Naz Brown had five points, while reigning MIAA Freshman of the Year Kyran Tilley contributed four points and four assists. Shawnee, Kan. native Carter Kaifes had four points and three boards, plus forward Noah Martin had three points and sophomore Jake Fritz added two points for good measure.
 
The Mules continue play at the 2025 D2CCA Tip-Off Classic Saturday, Nov. 8, as they take on the (Receiving Votes) Montana State-Billings Yellowjackets (0-0, 0-0 GNAC) at 2:00 p.m. (CST) inside Alterowitz Gymnasium in Billings.