LAS VEGAS, NEVADA— With a game-high 26 points from freshman guard Kyle Cason (Grimes, Dallas Center-Grimes HS), the Central College men's basketball team won 82-69 and handed Occidental College (Calif.) its first loss of the season at the D3hoops.com Classic late Monday night.
           
The Dutch (6-5) took the lead from the Tigers (6-1) midway into the first half and led for over 25 minutes. Cason scored 26 points with no 3-pointers, making 11 shots and going 4-4 at the line.
           
Owen Schipper (sophomore, Waukee) had a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds while also adding five assists. Grant Uecker (sophomore, Urbandale and Alex Ruba (junior, Ames, Gilbert HS) also scored 13 points apiece. Ruba also chipped in seven rebounds.
           
Central plays a second game in Las Vegas Tuesday against Bridgewater State University (Mass.) at 4 p.m. (PST). The Bears (2-8) beat Whittier College (Calif.) 88-74 on Sunday.