By Sports Information Student Assistant Andrew Knot

KALAMAZOO - In a hard-fought road contest, the Knights of Calvin defeated the Hornets of Kalamazoo 72-69.

The victory lifts Calvin (11-9 overall, 6-3 MIAA) into sole possession of second place in the MIAA standings, one game ahead of a four-team logjam that includes Albion, Adrian, Kalamazoo and Olivet at 5-4 in league play. Hope continues to lead the league standings at 8-1 in conference action.

Calvin overcame a seven point halftime deficit, and consistently trailed by margins of four in the second half.  Kalamazoo's largest lead was eight points.

Though at times, the Knights seemed unable to crack Kalamazoo's lead, Calvin got hot late in the second half.  Starting at the 7:12 mark, Calvin went on a 10-0 run for three and a half minutes to capture the lead.

Calvin was led by sophomore Tom Snikkers, who posted 27 points and eight rebounds in 26 minutes of play.  Freshman Jordan Brink contributed nine points, five rebounds and two steals.  Fellow freshman Tyler Kruis continued his shot-blocking roll, rejecting six shots, including a crucial late swat of Kalamazoo's leading scorer, Joe Prepolec.

With a little over three minutes remaining, Snikkers received a ball off the inbounds pass, spun off his man and nailed a 10 foot fall-away jumper to give the Knights a four point advantage.

"Our guys started looking for Tom and he had that look in his eye," said Coach Kevin Vande Streek.  "He had a great game for us when we really needed it," he continued.

"I was proud of our guys tonight," said Vande Streek.  "They found a way to scratch ahead."

Calvin travels to Olivet on Saturday for a 3 p.m. contest.