KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Kalamazoo College women's basketball team shot a season-best 51 percent from the field Saturday afternoon on its way to a 73-69 victory over the visiting Alma College Scots inside the Anderson Athletic Center.
From the opening tip, Kalamazoo looked primed for a breakout performance as the Hornets nailed their first four shots of the game opening up a 10-5 lead. Alma matched Kalamazoo's strong shooting, though, as the Scots went on a 15-5 run to close out the first quarter.
As the team's battled back-and-forth in the second quarter ultimately resulting in a 37-37 game heading into halftime, one thing remained constant for K throughout the first half in its entirety. The play of Emily Kozal.
Kozal led all scorers with 17 points on 5-of-8 shooting at the break, and her hot shooting continued in the second half.
With the Hornets trailing by a score of 59-51 entering the fourth quarter, Kozal's back-to-back three pointers in the final three minutes of play gave Kalamazoo a 70-67 lead which it would never relinquish down the stretch.
Two key free throws from Kelsey Adamski with 11 seconds left extended the Hornets' lead back to three after Alma trailed by just one with 1:02 remaining.
Kozal finished the evening with a career-high and game-high 29 points on 10-of-14 shooting, including 5-of-7 from downtown.
Grace Smith provided another all-around strong effort for Kalamazoo recording 17 points, five rebounds and six assists.
Adamski ended her night with 15 points, while Mackenzie Norman provided a spark off the bench with six points and three rebounds.
Kalamazoo limited Alma to just 36 percent shooting in the second half.
The Hornets will look to carry their momentum into their next game on Jan. 13 against the visitors from St. Mary's.