HILLSBORO, Kan. – The rescheduling of the game against Bethany created a short turnaround for the Bluejays as they welcomed the University of Saint Mary to Hillsboro to celebrate Senior Day. 
 
During the Senior Day festivities, Bluejay Men's Basketball recognized four Seniors prior to the game. Luke Buckingham, Kreeland Avery, Joao Maria Serra Pereira, and Kalep Crane were recognized along with their families for their hard work and dedication to the program. For these four, the day meant much more than met the eye, as each stuck around through adversity such as injuries and coaching changes, helping to lead their peers and establish a strong culture.
 
Saturday's contest started out close and competitive, with the Bluejays providing answers to the Spires' scoring threats, hanging tight with their foes up until the 3:06 mark. At that point, Saint Mary began to pull away, eventually building their lead to 21 and taking a 48-27 advantage into the halftime break.
 
The Spires continued to press throughout the second half, frustrating the Bluejays' offensive efforts. The story on the defensive end was similar for Tabor, as it seemed that there was no answer to combat the red-hot USM offense. TC eventually fell to the Spires, 97-60 in the final contest in Hillsboro for the 2024-25 campaign.
 
Kalep Crane once again led the Bluejays on the scoring front, tallying 17 points, while Zach Hiebert made his return after an injury and brief illness to put up 13 points of his own. Kam Kaniper and Creighton Kukula flirted with double figures, scoring nine and eight respectively. Crane also led the team on the glass with seven rebounds.
 
The Bluejays return to action this coming Wednesday as they make the short trip down the road to North Newton to take on longtime rival Bethel College. Tipoff is scheduled for 8pm.
 
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).