KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Kalamazoo College men's basketball team began MIAA play with a home game against #12 Trine on Thursday (Jan. 4). After the Hornets pulled within eight midway through the second half, the Thunder grew the lead back out to as much as 27 in the 86-65 finish.

The two teams battled to begin the game as the score was tied at 12, and then Trine went on a 13-4 run to grab a nine-point lead. The lead stayed between 14 and eight for the rest of the first half as the Thunder held a 44-31 lead at the half. After Kalamazoo got down by 16 early in the second half, the Hornets battled back to cut the deficit to eight with 12:46 remaining. Unfortunately, TU scored 28 of the final 43 points for a 21-point win.

Kalamazoo shot 35.7% overall compared to Trine's 50.0%. The Hornets made 9 of 27 (33.3%) 3-pointers compared to 7 of 14 (50.0%) by the Thunder. Kalamazoo went 16 of 21 (76.2%) from the free throw line compared to 13 of 17 (76.5%) by Trine. The Hornets had 30 rebounds compared to the Thunder's 45, while Kalamazoo had 13 assists on 20 made field goals.

Patrick Perez led the team with 12 points on five field goals, with two three-pointers. Carter Bandemer also finished with double-digit points at 11 on four made field goals, including three three-pointers. Bobby Samples had a team-high five rebounds, while Ty Horky and Caleb Caul each had three assists. 

Lukas Broadsword (9), Caul (8), Samples (6), Alex Rueff (6), Gabriel Sharp (5), Lucas Hanifan (3), Horky (2), JJ Stevens (2), and DJ Ferguson (1) rounded out the scoring for the Hornets.

Kalamazoo will continue conference play with a road game at #4 Calvin on Saturday (Jan. 6), beginning at 3 p.m.