Waterville, Maine - The Mules opened up their season with a thriller. Although Colby was chasing the lead the whole game, a few dunks, stumbling defenders, and clutch threes keep it close while also electrifying the crowd. In the end, non-conference visitors Emerson held on to win 93-88, dropping the Mules to 0-1 overall. 

The first half started fast as Colby had to fight out of the gates to stay within reach. Midway through the half Emerson stretched the lead to 10 but a 3 pointer from freshman Sam Hinman followed by a dunk from Jack Lawson gave them their momentum back. Adding to Colby's run, Max Poulton got on the board, hitting one of his five threes in the game to bring them within 1. Colby made shots inside the arc throughout the half, shooting 40.5% from the field while averaging around 29% from three. Their 18 points in the paint were attributed to the Mules' rebounding as they dominated on the glass, out rebounding the Lions by 6 in the first half. However, the Mules trailed heading into the break 43-42.

Coming out of half, Emerson stretched their lead early as they quickly led by 16. Although Colby couldn't completely close the gap, they went on multiple runs to keep the game tight. Looking to respond, Poulton and Ben Kaczmarek traded 3 pointers on consecutive possessions and later, a defensive stop from the Mules led to yet another 3 from Kaczmarek. With the game winding down, Jack Lawson fought his way past defenders for a powerful dunk to draw the game within 6. The following possession, another defensive stop from the Mules led to Poulton's fourth three of the game as Colby drew within three. A few turnovers late in the game sealed the win for Emerson but Colby stayed in it until the end.

For Colby, some new faces shone in their debuts as Hinman shot 50% from three while Marcos Montiel and Savion Stroud were electric on the defensive end. Poulton led the team scoring with 22 while Lawson had a double double with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

The Mules are in action again tomorrow at 1pm as they host Gordon, looking to grab their first win of the season.