KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Youth was served Friday night as the Kalamazoo College men's basketball team claimed a 71-64 victory over the Manchester University Spartans in the home opener at Anderson Athletic Center.
Freshman DJ Courtney introduced himself to the home faithful with an outstanding performance. Courtney racked up 25 points (10-13 shooting), nine rebounds and a pair of assists. Fellow freshman Lukas Broadsword collected a double-double (12 points, 10 rebounds) and sophomore Ty Horky scored 15 points.
Courtney didn't waste any time, hitting the first of his four three-point baskets just 20 seconds into the game. A Bobby Samples jump shot gave the Hornets (1-1) a 16-8 lead with 13:09 remaining in the first half.
The Spartans regrouped to tie the game at 25 with 3:15 remaining in the half, but Kalamazoo refused to wilt and took a 31-29 lead into the break.
Manchester took its first lead of the game with a three-point basket just nine seconds into the second half, setting up a back-and-forth affair for the next six minutes. Holding a 48-46 advantage with 13:45 remaining, Kalamazoo then took off on a 12-0 run over the next 5:14 to take a 60-46 lead.
Manchester wasn't finished, however, clawing its way back to within two points at 65-63 with 2:09 remaining. The K defense held firm though, and Samples made a pair of huge free throws with :59 remaining to push the lead to four. A Horky jump shot and two more Samples free throws finished off the Spartans.
Samples finished with seven points, six assists and six rebounds.
The Hornets will face a quick turnaround, hosting Anderson (Ind.) College Saturday for a 5:30 p.m. matchup at Anderson Athletic Center.