The Kalamazoo College men's basketball team lost 81-72 in MIAA action at Olivet on Wednesday.
Kalamazoo trailed by six points (22-16) with 7:53 left in the first half before a 17-3 Olivet run over the next four minutes put the Comets up 18 (37-19). Kalamazoo recovered to make it a 12 point game (41-29) at halftime.
The Hornets kept the momentum going early in the second half, eventually cutting the deficit to just one point (49-48) with 13:43 left in the contest. The Hornets were unable to take a lead, however, and trailed by single digits the rest of the way.
Kalamazoo remained within three points (70-67) with 3:05 remaining, but Olivet was solid from the free throw line down the stretch to secure the win.
Kalamazoo shot 44.1 percent overall and finished 14-of-18 at the free throw line. Kalamazoo shot just 30.8 percent overall while staying in the game by going 24-of-29 at the free throw line. Olivet held a 47-42 edge in rebounds.
Mark Ghafari led Kalamazoo with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists while sinking 10-of-11 free throws.
Eric Fishman scored 23 points with 4-of-7 three-pointers with three steals.
Adam Peters added 12 points. Grant Carey scored six points with five rebounds, three steals, and two assists. Carter Goetz grabbed a team-high seven rebounds with three assists.
Kalamazoo returns to action at Calvin on Saturday, Feb. 2 at 3 p.m.