McCOOK, Neb. (Interstat) — The Eastern Wyoming Lancers and McCook Indians will open their seasons Friday night in a men’s junior college basketball matchup at the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center.

Both teams enter the Halloween contest with 0-0 records, looking to establish an early identity for the 2025-26 campaign. The game marks the first official action for both programs in over a year. Eastern Wyoming last played in November 2021, falling 102-62 at Salt Lake. McCook’s most recent contest was a 99-72 road loss at Gillette in March 2024.

The matchup begins a challenging opening stretch for both squads. The Lancers will immediately travel to face North Platte on Saturday, the first of 10 consecutive games away from home to start their season.

McCook, meanwhile, opens a three-game homestand. The Indians will host Laramie County on Saturday before embarking on a road trip to Eastern Florida State on Nov. 6.

Friday’s contest offers an early opportunity for either the Lancers or Indians to gain momentum before the bulk of their Region IX schedules begin next month. The two teams are scheduled to meet again on Dec. 5 in Torrington, Wyoming.