KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Looking to begin the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association on a high note, the Kalamazoo College men's basketball team fell in an overtime heartbreaker to the visiting Alma College Scots.
The Hornets erased a 14-point second half deficit to force overtime but a late loose ball foul and a made free throw from Alma's Scott Nikodemski gave the Scots a slight 86-85 edge when the final buzzer rang.
The first half of play was marked by multiple lead changes and back-and-forth action from both teams.
Kalamazoo got out to an early 13-6 lead on a Charlie Carson three pointer with 14:34 remaining in the half, but Alma answer quickly over the next 2:30 as Nikodemski gave the Scots their first lead of the game (16-15) since they led 3-2.
The teams entered halftime with Alma leading by the slim margin of 39-37.
As the second half progressed, Alma extended its lead to 14 at the 9:43 mark, but the Hornets stormed back much in part due to the play of Demarco Dickerson and Chase Baysdell.
Down the stretch, the duo combined to score 17 of the team's final 24 points to force the extra period.
Dickerson ended his night with 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting from the field. His performance marks back-to-back games recording 20-plus points.
Baysdell recorded 18 points and 14 rebounds, good for his fifth double-double of the season.
Adam Dykema came in closely behind Baysdell with 17 points.
Charlie Carson added nine off the bench.
The Hornets will be back in action on Saturday when they look to gain their first MIAA win of the season on the road at Trine. Game time is set for 3 p.m.