RICHMOND, Ind. – A 17-0 run for Defiance College midway through the second half gave the Yellow Jackets a 75-57 victory over the Earlham College men's basketball team in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) action at Schuckman Court on Wednesday.

Defiance (11-9, 9-4 HCAC) took a 21-17 lead with 7:15 to play in the first half, but Earlham answered with an 8-0 run over a three minute span capped off by a three-pointer from senior Taylen Alexander. The Yellow Jackets got to within two points on two free throws, but sophomore Elijah Wilson-Thomas then scored on the next four points for Earlham, putting the Quakers up 29-23.

After a Yellow Jacket basket, freshman Isaiah Waire nailed a step-back jumper to end the half as the Quakers took a 31-26 lead into halftime.

Earlham maintained a small edge in the early stages of the first half. Waire connected on a triple to give the Quakers a 48-44 lead with 11:33 to play. Then came the Defiance run that put the game out of reach.

Alexander led the Quakers with 17 points and seven rebounds. Wilson-Thomas and freshman Alex Topalovich each added 13 points.

Michael Parker led all scorers with 28 points. Wade Wooley added a double-double for Defiance with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

As a team, Earlham shot 41.5 percent (22-53) in the game, but just 35.7 percent in the second half. Defiance made 26 baskets in the game including 15 three-pointers. The Yellow Jackets held a slight 31-27 rebounding edge.

Earlham returns to action on Saturday at home against Anderson. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m.