KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Kalamazoo College men's basketball team led for just 29 seconds Wednesday evening, but it led when the game mattered most.
With the Hornets trailing 74-73 in the game's final minute, first-year guard Tanner Blyly made the biggest shot of his young career when he drained a step-back three putting Kalamazoo ahead 76-74 and ultimately propelling the Hornets to a 78-74 win over Lawrence Tech inside Anderson Athletic Center.
Shooting just 36.7 percent from the floor in the first half and trailing 38-27 at the break, the Hornets showed grit in the second half cutting the deficit to one, twice, and tying the game twice before finally making the definitive breakthrough in the waning seconds.
Kalamazoo adjusted well at halftime and improved its offensive efficiency in the second half shooting 64.3 percent and going 6-of-8 on three point attempts.
Four different Hornets scored in double figures including Josh Miller (14), Adam Dykema (12), Josh Whitney (11) and Jake Whitney (11).
Blyly ended the evening with nine points off the bench and played a key role down the stretch after starting point guard Tommy Cerven fouled out with 6:04 remaining.
After an extended holiday break, Kalamazoo will look to carry its momentum into conference play when the Hornets open at Alma on Jan. 4.