RENSSELAER, Ind. – The Kalamazoo College men's basketball team looked to end its eight-game road trip on a high note Sunday afternoon but the Hornets were unable to do so on the campus of Saint Joseph's College.
The Pumas defeated the Hornets, 101-86.
After falling behind 22-11 by the 13:00 mark of the first half, Kalamazoo battled its way back into the game based off a well-rounded performance on the offensive end of the court.
A 12-1 run beginning at the 4:47 mark gave the Hornets their first lead of the game with 2:36 remaining in the first half, and Kalamazoo led 50-47 heading into halftime.
Four different Hornets reached double figures in the first half alone. Chase Baysdell led the way with 12 points in the first period.
Out of halftime, Kalamazoo extended its lead to four with 18:31 remaining but the Pumas never backed down.
Saint Joseph's regained the lead at the 16:19 mark but like the Pumas, the Hornets continued to battle.
With Kalamazoo holding a 69-68 lead with 11:54 remaining the Pumas pulled off a game-changing 9-0 run and never conceded the lead again.
Each team shot 44 percent from the field in the game with Saint Joseph's shooting slightly better from behind the arc (38 percent). Kalamazoo shot 32 percent from three-point range.
Six different Hornets ended the game with double figures led by freshman Demarco Dickerson who tied his season-high with 21 points.
Josh Whitney and Chase Baysdell each ended their nights with 16 points apiece. Adam Dykema recorded 11 points while Mike Oravetz and Tommy Cerven scored 10.
The Hornets open up MIAA play on Wednesday, Jan. 6 when they welcome Alma to the Anderson Athletic Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.