In a gritty back-and-forth contest on Nov. 25, the College of DuPage men's basketball team held on for a narrow 86-81 road victory against the Prairie State College Pioneers. The Chaps were led by Vuk Zogovic's game-high 26 points and Ethan Howard's 23-point night. Zogovic was one rebound shy of a double-double. 

Down by a basket at the half, 43-41, COD scored 45 second-half points and held the Pioneers to only 38 in the period. Free throws were pivotal for DuPage down the stretch, as COD made two less free throws than PSC attempted in the contest. The Chaps made 22 of 30 shots at the line through 40 minutes while PSC was only successful 13 times on 24 tries.

Despite getting out-rebounded as a team, the Chaps' defense forced eight turnovers, including three steals, to facilitate offense on the other end. Cameron Chandler and Logan Glover each registered a block as well. 

JJ Hernandez was the third scoring option, notching a 13-point night to pair with his seven boards; Glover added eight points to lead DuPage's reserves. 

COD (5-2) returns to PEC Arena for the second leg of a basketball doubleheader between the Chaps and the Black Hawk College Braves on Dec. 2. The men tip-off at 7 p.m.