KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Kalamazoo College men's basketball team fell in its season opener 77-49 against nationally-ranked Trine University on Tuesday evening at home. Tonight was also the first night of conference play for the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association.
Kalamazoo shot 35.1 percent (20-for-57) from the field with five of 27 three-pointers and four of nine free throws made. The visiting team shot 51.9 percent while sinking nine of 18 three-pointers and 12 of 18 free throws. Trine's largest lead came with 11 seconds left in the first half by a margin of 28 points.
The Hornets outrebounded Trine 41-29 and added 14 points from the bench and 26 in the paint.
Thomas Cook tallied a double-double, the first of his career, with a team-high 13 points and 15 rebounds, good for a new career-best.
Merritt Hamann added 12 points and nine rebounds, nearly notching a double-double. He led the team with two blocks and a pair of steals.
Ty Horky and Calder Pellerin each added seven points. Bobby Samples led the team in assists with five, while Jordan Currie grabbed three steals.
The Hornets return to the court on Thursday, Feb. 11 on the road against Olivet. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.