The College of DuPage men's basketball team started strong on the road on Saturday against the Kishwaukee Kougars, holding the hosts to just 17 points in the first 20 minutes of action from Malta. The Kougars would flip the script in the second half, mounting a 38-point frame while holding COD to just 23 points in the second half, narrowly winning a 55-54 contest on a buzzer-beating floater from inside the paint.

The Chaparrals' 31-point mark in the first half - and 14-point lead - was slowly chipped away by the Kougars who made several halftime adjustments and shored up the defense during the intermission. 

Amari Ford put up an 11-point-15-rebound double-double along with three steals and two blocks before fouling out of the contest. Ethan Howard led all Chaps with 16 points while adding seven rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks himself.

Zaheem Jackson of Kishwaukee was the highest scoring player with 18, along with the buzzer-beater.

On the contest, COD coaxed up 20 turnovers, double the mark of the Kougs; though DuPage did win the battle of the boards, 45-37.

COD (14-11) continues the season on Tuesday, Feb. 10 on the road against the Harper College Hawks, set for a 7 p.m. tipoff after the women's matchup. DuPage easily took down the Hawks back on Jan. 17, to the tune of an 84-65 win, led by Howard's 25 points and Logan Glover's 15-point night.