GRINNELL, Iowa - After waiting a long off-season to reach the 2025-26 season, Grinnell College's men's basketball team took full advantage of the opportunity.

The Pioneers opened their campaign Friday night, posting a convincing 102-74 victory over Kalamazoo College before a large crowd at Darby Gymnasium.

The victory avenged a 15-point loss to the Hornets last season.

Grinnell, which forced 30 turnovers in the contest, was never challenged after opening a 12-2 lead right off the bat. First-year Tyler Copes '29 scored the season's first points with a close-range basket, followed by a free throw by Nick Courtney '26 and baskets by Gabe Garcia '27 and Nick Lundy '27 for a 7-0 lead. 

After the Hornets scored, Zach Rosen '26 sank a free throw and Garcia drained a 3-pointer to make it 12-2 barely four minutes into the contest. Grinnell kept it rolling from there, leading 54-40 at halftime.

Garcia led the Pioneers with 25 points, while Courtney was also in double figures with 10. Copes grabbed eight rebounds and also blocked eight shots, with the latter figure ranking fifth in program history. John Vincent '26 added five boards. 

Kai Te Huki '27 and Rosen dished out five and four assists, respectively, while Aidan Wiley '29 was credited with four steals and Rosen, Garcia and Sean Walser '26 getting three each.

Grinnell is at home again next Wednesday when Greenville University visits for a 5 p.m. test.