KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Kalamazoo College men's basketball team lost its season opener 72-64 to Denison University Friday night.
Denison pulled out to an early lead, but the Hornets took their first lead of the game (22-21) with 6:52 left in the first half. Kalamazoo led by as many as five (26-21) with 6:11 remaining. The Hornets still led 29-28 with 2:45 left in the half before Denison regained the lead and took a 36-35 lead into halftime.
Kalamazoo regained the lead early in the second, leading by as many as five (43-38). The teams exchanged leads, and Kalamazoo led again (54-52) with 7:43 remaining. Denison tied it at 54-54 before taking the lead with 6:57 remaining. The Hornets trailed by four (68-64) with 56 seconds remaining but missed their final three shots.
Denison shot 46.2 percent overall while making 3-of-22 3-pointers. Kalamazoo shot 42.9 percent while making 6-of-28 3-pointers. Fifty-five fouls were called in the game. Denison sank 25-of-33 free throws compared to 20-of-30 by Kalamazoo. The Hornets held a 35-34 edge in rebounding, including 12-11 on the offensive end.
Carter Bandemer led Kalamazoo with 14 points.
Ty Horky finished with 12 points and six rebounds.
Gabriel Sharp added nine points off the bench. Lukas Broadsword fouled out with seven points and nine rebounds.
Kalamazoo returns to action Saturday afternoon when the Hornets host Ohio Northern University at 4 p.m.