Billings, Montana - A strong second half from Central Missouri proved to be the difference Sunday morning, as the Mules rallied past the Cowboys 78–74 on the final day of the D2CCA Tipoff Classic at The Trailhead. The loss drops NMHU to 0–3, while Central Missouri improves to 2–1.
After an early push from Central Missouri, the Cowboys caught fire, hitting 62.5% from the field to take a 13-point lead with five minutes to go in the half. That lead was six points, 42-36 at the break.
Central Missouri took the lead for good at 54–53 with eight minutes left and held off the Cowboys late to secure the four-point win.
Marcus Pierce (19 points),
Nikk Williams (18), and
Dontae Walker (15) led the Cowboys on Sunday, each posting a career high. Williams also grabbed 12 rebounds.
NMHU shot a season's best 48.1% from the floor and outrebounded the Mules 34-27.
Up next, the Cowboys return home from Montana for a Tuesday night game at New Mexico State. Tip-off in the Pan American Center is scheduled for 7:30 pm.
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