BARTLESVILLE, Okla. – After a tough stretch of exhibitions on the road against NCAA Division I and II opponents, the Bluejay men opened KCAC play on the road in Bartlesville, Okla. with a test against the No. 17 ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan University Eagles on Saturday.
 
Some might look at the result as disappointing, but there is a lot to love from a young Bluejay squad, as they gave Oklahoma Wesleyan all they could handle in the 79-66 loss.
 
A slow start saw the Bluejays down 7-1 at the 17:41 mark in the first half, after a tip-in by the Eagles' Jaden Lietzke gave OKWU a six-point advantage. After the slow start, Tabor looked to be getting into a rhythm, with Kalep Crane putting the Bluejays on top, 13-11 with a layup at the 13:42 mark. OKWU pushed the lead back out, but a three from Kreeland Avery narrowed the deficit to one with under seven minutes to go. Two made free throws by Kam Kaniper put the Bluejays back within three with 1:58 left to play in the half, before an OKWU run saw Tabor trail 42-31 at the halftime break. 
 
Oklahoma Wesleyan got out to another hot start in the second half, as TC trailed by as many as 22. As much as the Eagles tried, they never could get the Bluejays to lay down, as TC fought to the very end, with Marvin Ruffin cutting the Eagles' lead to 13 with two made free throws towards the conclusion of the game.
 
Head Coach Josh Roach was proud of his team and the growth they have shown since the season opener.
 
James Shoenfelt led the Bluejay offense, pouring in 19 points and shooting 50% (6-12) from the field, while Kalep Crane provided 17 points of his own while cleaning the glass with a team-high 12 boards. Kam Kaniper provided valuable minutes off the bench, adding 12 points and six rebounds. Shoenfelt and Crane led Tabor on defense with three steals apiece.
 
Tabor looks to earn their first win of the season and first in conference play as they head to Ottawa, Kan. Wednesday to take on the Ottawa University Braves.
 
Be sure to stay up to date with all information regarding Bluejay Athletics by following us on X at @gotaborbluejays, on Instagram and Facebook @taborbluejays, and on our official athletic website, taborbluejays.com.
 
Tabor College is a Christ-centered institution located in Hillsboro, Kansas. The Bluejays are members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and compete in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC).