HILLSBORO, Kan. – Bluejay basketball returned to the comforts of Tabor College Gymnasium after a tough exhibition test against NCAA Division II foe University of Central Missouri. Highway 56 rival McPherson College awaited the Bluejays in a much-anticipated contest, as both squads were searching for their first victory in KCAC play. 
 
With added depth, Tabor proved to be a significant threat, holding the lead for much of the game, giving Head Coach Josh Roach his first career victory, 79-75.
 
Kam Kaniper got things started, scoring the opening bucket under a minute and a half into the contest. Both squads traded buckets throughout the first half, with neither team taking a lead larger than five points, before Kalep Crane's jumper with 2:40 remaining in the first half gave the Bluejays a seven-point lead, their largest lead of the game up until that point. A dagger three by James Shoenfelt gave the Bluejays their largest lead of the first half, widening the gap between the two teams to 11 points. Two free throws from the Bulldogs' Tarrance Austin and a three by Dallas Metzger cut Tabor's lead to six at the halftime break, 34-28.
 
Tabor came roaring out of the gate after halftime, as Crane kicked things off with a three just 26 seconds into the second half, followed by two made free throws by Kaniper, who turned around and splashed a three on the very next play, as the Bluejays took their largest lead of the game, 42-28. McPherson battled back, coming within three with 36 seconds left to play. Crane hit two free throws to push the lead back out to five, but the Bulldogs once again cut the lead back to three, this time courtesy of an Aaron Williams, Jr. jumper. An MC foul sent Zach Hiebert to the charity stripe, who subsequently iced the game and helped the Bluejays earn their first win of the season.
 
Coach Roach was pleased with his team's performance, "Our guys finally got a little bit of a reward for all the hard work they are putting in! Now hopefully we can create a streak."
 
With the win, the Bluejays improve to 1-6 on the season and 1-3 in conference play as they look forward to a battle on the road at York University on Saturday.
 
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).