The Kuyper College Men's Basketball team hosted Indiana University Columbus on Friday evening in the Cougars' home opener. The Cougars lost to the Crimson Pride in a nailbiter, 77-74. 

Kuyper led most of the game, but IU Columbus stayed within reach all evening. The first half was a bit of a slug fest, as each team's defense was causing the other team issues on the offensive side of the floor. In the first half, Kuyper shot just 37% from the field, while IU Columbus shot 32% from the field and 0-9 from three. Kuyper led 32-26 at the end of the first half, behind some hot shooting from Jacob May. 

In the second half, each offense got going a bit. IU Columbus shot 56% from the field and 50% from three in the second half, while the Cougars shot 44% from the field and 48% from three. The Cougars offense was sparked by perimeter shooting from Elijah Searcy and all-around scoring from Sam Dillard.

Dillard led the Cougars on the night with 21 points and 5 rebounds. He shot a perfect 10-10 from the free throw line. Jacob May added 19 points and 9 rebounds, while shooting 5-7 from three. Elijah Searcy was the only other Cougar to notch double figures, as he scored 13 points and gave Kuyper a spark off the bench.

Turnovers plagued the Cougars all evening, as they finished with 28 on the night. IU Columbus turned the ball over 16 times, so the turnover differential proved to be key in the close game. Kuyper extended their lead to double figures late in the second half, but some hot shooting and stifling defense for the Crimson Pride flipped the game. IU Columbus took the lead with less than a minute to go, and the Cougars were unable to regain it. 

Kuyper falls to 2-2 on the season with the loss. They will travel to Spring Arbor University on Tuesday, November 4th.