The Kalamazoo College men's basketball team got to play against somebody else other than themselves for the first time Sunday afternoon as they took on the Western Michigan University Broncos. The Hornets faced a tough task having to enter University Arena and play a Bronco team coming off its first NCAA D1 tournament berth in ten years. Kalamazoo tried its best to keep up with its D1 neighbors, but ultimately the Broncos ran away in the second half and won 81-32.
The Hornets kept things interesting in the first half and kept within around 12 points of Western, but a series of late breakaway baskets and free throws put the Broncos up 44-22 at the half.
The Hornets played without sophomore center Chase Baysdell, who was their leading rebounder and third leading scorer last season. Center Josh Miller had a solid game – hitting both his attempts from the floor for four points and five rebounds. He also added an assist and a steal. Scott Wharam was also effective from the floor going two for two from the field with six points, two rebounds, and an assist.
The team had 31 combined turnovers, which is really what let the game get out of reach. Luckily this came against a level of competition they're unlikely to see during the regular season. The Hornets kick off the regular season Saturday, Nov. 15 on the road against Bluffton.