Wabash failed to take advantage of missed free throws in the final minute of Saturday's North Coast Athletic Conference basketball season opener. The Little Giants missed two chances for the win, eventually losing 67-66 at Kenyon.
Trailing 65-63 with less than two minutes left in the game, sophomore Chase Haltom drained a three-point to put Wabash in front for the 22nd lead change of the game. The Lords would add the final lead change with 50 seconds left in the contest when Dave Knapke scored on a layup. Wabash looked to senior Andrew Zimmer, but he couldn't connect on a jump shot to try and put Wabash back in front. The Little Giants fouled after Kenyon got the rebound, and got another chance with the Lords missed both charity tosses.
Once again, however, Wabash would fail to take advantage when Haltom missed a jumper with just two seconds left. The Little Giants fouled once again, and for the second time the Lords missed both free throw attempts. Kenyon grabbed the offensive board on the second miss, ending any hope for a Wabash victory.
The Little Giants had taken a six-point lead early in the second half in a game that saw 11 ties in addition to the 23 lead changes.
Zimmer led Wabash in scoring with 17 points in addition to grabbing 10 rebounds for his second consecutive double-double. Senior Gary Simkus scored 16 in the loss, while freshman Wes Smith added 13.
Kodey Haddox scored 16 points to pace the Lords, while his brother Korey added 14 points.
Wabash was 24-of-57 from the field for 42 percent and hit 13-of-14 free throws. The Little Giants struggled from the behind the three-point arc, hitting on just five of 18 attempts.
The Little Giants (2-3) return to Chadwick Court Thursday for their annual rivalry with DePauw University. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.