The Kalamazoo College men's basketball team defeated Albion, 78-71, in front of an energetic crowd inside Anderson Athletic Center on Wednesday.

After falling behind early, Kalamazoo recovered and took its first lead of the game (12-10) with 12:10 left in the first half. Kalamazoo would lead the rest of the way.

The Hornets led by as many as 21 (41-20) in the first half before taking a 41-26 lead into halftime.

Albion cut the deficit to eight (45-37) within the first three minutes of the second half, but Kalamazoo was able to extend the lead back to 15 (64-49) with 8:36 remaining. The Britons followed up with a 17-2 run to make it a three point game (66-63) with just over four minutes remaining, but Kalamazoo responded with a 5-0 run to secure the lead and hold on for the win.

Kalamazoo shot 45 percent overall while hitting 7-of-22 three-pointers and 17-of-27 free throws. Albion shot 44.1 percent overall while making 8-of-16 three's and 11-of-19 free throws. Kalamazoo held a 44-35 advantage in rebounds, including 15-11 on the offensive end.

Mark Ghafari led Kalamazoo with 22 points and nine rebounds. Eric Fishman added 14 points with four rebounds, three steals, and nine assists. Grant Carey scored 11 points with three rebounds.

Mike Oravetz and Adam Peters both added nine points off the bench.

Kalamazoo returns to action at Adrian on Saturday, Jan. 19 at 3 p.m.