KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Kalamazoo College men's basketball team hosted Elmhurst in the Anderson Athletic Center on Wednesday evening (Dec. 7). The Hornets played the Bluejays, who are receiving votes in the national poll, close for the first 30 minutes. An 18-4 Elmhurst run separated the Bluejays as the Hornets ultimately fell 81-61.
Kalamazoo had a tall task tonight by playing the NCAA DIII national runner-up from last season. Elmhurst jumped out to a 17-4 lead with 13 minutes remaining in the first half. However, the Hornets battled back and showed grit to make the score 34-26 with two minutes remaining. Then with one second remaining until halftime, Josh Decker received an inbound pass and hit a three while also getting fouled. Two technical fouls on Elmhurst allowed Decker to sink some free throws and make the score 34-31 at the break.
The Hornets kept within striking distance for the first 10 minutes of the second half by not allowing the deficit to exceed 10. Unfortunately, Elmhurst hit their stride with eight minutes remaining and outscored Kalamazoo 22-9 the rest of the way. This run ultimately gave the Bluejays the 20-point victory.
Ty Horky was the leading scorer for the Hornets while coming off the bench, finishing with 15 points on 6-8 shooting. Decker was the other scorer in double figures with 13.
Nine other Hornets scored at least a point as Lukas Broadsword (7), Addison Atwater (6), JJ Stevens (6), DJ Courtney (4), Caleb Caul (2), Nicholas Olmeda (2), Sam Coleman (2), Dougie Blackwood (2), and Gabriel Sharp (1) all contributed to the scoring column.
Elmhurst hit 61.4% of their shots compared to Kalamazoo's 41.2%, but the Hornets held a slight advantage from three at 35.3%. The Bluejays finished with more rebounds (35-21), assists (16-15), steals (11-9), and blocks (6-0).
Kalamazoo will return to action on Saturday (Dec. 10) when #14 Case Western Reserve comes to town, as tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m.