KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Kalamazoo College men's basketball team defeated Illinois Institute of Technology 81-77 at home Friday evening.

Kalamazoo led by as many as 10 points (25-15) midway through the first half. A 13-4 run gave the visiting Scarlet Hawks a 38-29 lead before taking a 38-33 lead into halftime.

Illinois Tech went up eight (44-36) early in the second. A 14-0 run put the Hornets up six (50-44) with 14:51 remaining. The Hornets led by as many as 10, including as late as 4:04 left (72-62). Illinois Tech cut the deficit to three points three times in the closing minutes, but Kalamazoo held on for the four-point win (81-77).

Kalamazoo shot 52.9 percent overall while sinking 14-of-28 three-pointers. Illinois Tech shot 45.3 percent while making 10-of-23 three's. Kalamazoo made 13-of-24 free throws. Illinois Tech made 9-of-10. Kalamazoo outrebounded Illinois Tech 36-29.

Carter Bandemer led Kalamazoo with 18 points while making four three-pointers and 4-of-5 free throws.

Lukas Broadsword scored 15 points with 10 rebounds while going 5-of-6 at the line. Broadsword also led the Hornets with four assists and three blocked shots.

Nelson Sompa added 11 points and three assists. Bradley Eziuka and Lucas Hanifan each scored nine points. DJ Courtney scored eight points with seven rebounds and three assists. Connor Kouki also finished with eight points.

The win was the third straight for Kalamazoo as the Hornets improved to 6-2 overall. Kalamazoo returns to action Monday, Dec. 30, at Ohio Northern.