KIRKSVILLE, Mo. - Truman State Men's basketball lost to GLVC opponent McKendree 73-68 in their conference opener.

McKendree jumped out a 16-8 lead after a Hayden Meakes 3-pointer, but Truman was able to claw their way back in and tie the game 29-29 going into the half.

The Bulldogs shot 12-30 (.400%) from the field and were 5-14 (.357%) from three in the first half.

McKendree went up 40-31 early in the second half before Xavier Hall made two big shots to cut the Bearcats' lead to one.

Truman took a one-point lead with 10:14 left in the game, and would both teams would continue to trade buckets before McKendree went up seven with two Aleksandar Davitkov free throws.

The Bearcats held onto their lead, winning by five.

There were six lead changes in the game, and the score was tied five different times.

Elijah Hazekamp, Hunter Strait, and Xavier Hall were the top Bulldog scorers. Hazekamp led the team with 23, followed by Strait with 15, and Hall with 12.

Hazekamp also led Truman in rebounds with 11, and tied for most assists with three.