Colorado College dropped a 74–64 decision to Nebraska Wesleyan on Friday afternoon at Reid Arena in a tightly contested game that featured frequent lead changes and momentum swings.

The Tigers opened the game strong, taking a 7–2 lead early before Nebraska Wesleyan responded with a run to move in front. The Tigers briefly regained the advantage midway through the first half, but the visitors answered again and built a small cushion late in the period. Nebraska Wesleyan carried a 36–29 lead into halftime after the teams traded baskets in the final minutes of the half.

The Tigers came out of the break and stayed within reach, cutting the deficit to nine at 42–33 early in the second half. CC continued to chip away and closed the gap to six at 54–48 with just over 12 minutes remaining, then pulled within eight at 52–60 and again at 54–62 as the game entered the final stretch. Nebraska Wesleyan was able to extend the margin in the closing minutes and seal the win at the free-throw line.

Ty Hendler led all Tigers in scoring, finishing with 21 points, four rebounds and two assists while going 7-for-15 from the field and 6-for-7 at the free-throw line.

Asher Nofziger controlled the glass, pulling down a game-high 15 rebounds to go with 10 points and one assist. He added seven offensive rebounds and went 6-for-7 from the free-throw line.

Gavin Carter paced CC in assists, dishing out nine while adding four points, one rebound and three steals.

Defensively, Russell MacFarlane anchored the interior with a career high five blocks. He finished with eight points, eight rebounds and one assist.

Off the bench, Terrion Benson provided an efficient spark, scoring eight points on 4-for-4 shooting while adding four rebounds and a team-high two steals.

CC finished with 42 rebounds and generated 19 second-chance points, keeping pressure on Nebraska Wesleyan throughout the contest.

The Tigers are back in action on Jan. 3 against St. Thomas (TX) in Houston, Tex.