HIRAM, Ohio – December 9, 2023 – In a game where every minute was crucial, the Hiram men's basketball team fought in a nail-biter against the Kenyon Owls. The Terriers ended up losing by a final score of 72-68.

Both teams were neck-and-neck in each half, as Hiram scored 27 points in the first half compared to Kenyon's 32; Hiram put up 41 in the second half compared to 40 points by Kenyon.

Hiram was led by junior Trent Jakacki, who finished with 21 points on the afternoon and collected 4 rebounds while shooting 8-18 from the field. The Owls were led by Murathan Kocaman, who finished with 15 points, 4 rebounds and 5-6 shooting from the field.

The game stayed close throughout, as both teams changed leads nine times, while tying six times. The biggest lead for either team was just eight points for the entire game.

Hiram roared back in the second half and took a three-point lead with 10:45 remaining, highlighted by a layup from Levi MacAdam that capped off a 7-0 scoring run and carved out a 50-47 lead. Ultimately, though, it came down to the final two minutes, which saw Kenyon's post players make 3 field goals in the painted area before multiple made free throws closed out the game.

The Hiram men's basketball team will host Case Western Reserve University on Monday at 7 P.M. in a matchup that will be played in Hiram, Ohio.