Whiting, IN — The Judson University men's basketball team battled back from a first-half deficit but came up just short in a 76–73 loss at Calumet College of St. Joseph on Wednesday night inside the Rittenmeyer Center.

Judson trailed 44–37 at the break after Calumet used a strong shooting first half to build as much as a 19-point lead. The Eagles regrouped in the second half, shooting 54.5 percent from the floor and cutting the deficit to one possession multiple times down the stretch.

EJ Reese led Judson with 15 points and 12 rebounds, recording a double-double off the bench. Bronson Bartuch added 16 points, including a pair of three-pointers, while Fernando Perez Jr. finished with 14 points and two assists.

Fedja Cukle chipped in 12 points, and Jared Russell scored five, including a late three-pointer to pull the Eagles within three in the final seconds.

The Eagles briefly took the lead midway through the second half, highlighted by baskets from Reese, Zack Patterson, and Bartuch during a key run that put the Eagles ahead 53–50. The game remained tight the rest of the way, featuring six lead changes and three ties.

However, JU ran out of possessions as they fell one basket shy of overtime. 

Judson finished the night shooting 44.6 percent from the field and outrebounded Calumet 40–39. 

Judson will look to bounce back as they continue conference play in their next outing on Saturday when they travel to Governors St. for an afternoon game.