For a while, it looked like the Hillsdale College men's basketball team could pull off a big upset in its 2013-14 exhibition season opener.
The Chargers led host Valparaiso 34-29 at halftime, but could not maintain the lead, as Valpo picked up a 69-60 win Saturday night in Indiana. Hillsdale will face the University of Toledo on Sunday, Nov. 3 before taking on Indiana University Monday, Nov. 4 in the team's final two exhibition games.
Sophmore forward Kyle Cooper looked sharp in his first action on the court this season, leading Hillsdale with 22 points on 8-for-19 shooting from the field.
Cooper's 3-pointer gave Hillsdale a 39-35 lead three minutes into the second half. But Valpo went on an 11-0 run, taking a lead it would never give up the rest of the way. Cooper also snagged 13 rebounds and swiped two steals for Hillsdale in the game.
Senior Tim Dezelski added 16 points and nine rebounds, 12 of his points coming in the first half.