CHICAGO, Ill. – The Harper College men's basketball team narrowly dropped its season opener at Olive-Harvey College on Saturday afternoon, losing 71-67.

The Hawks (0-1) were led by forward Davion Benton (Chicago, Ill. /Alcott College Prep), who put up 24 points, 18 rebounds and three blocks in 37 minutes. Forward Robert Hudson (Hoffman Estates, Ill./Conant) also posted a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Marcus Gatlin (Chicago, Ill./Curie) added eight points and four assists, and Admir Suljic (Chicago, Ill. /Lane Tech) scored six points.

Harper led 35-32 at halftime over the Panthers (1-0). The Hawks held a 55-53 lead with 5:56 to play in the game after a Hudson dunk, but Olive-Harvey went on a 12-4 run capped off by a Anthony Tatum 3-pointer with 3:49 remaining to take a 65-59 lead. The Hawks cut the deficit to 69-67 on a Hudson 3-pointer with 30 seconds left, but Quentin Ruff (16 points) made a pair of free throws with a second left to seal the victory.

Harper committed 25 turnovers in the game. The Hawks shot 40.9 percent (27-of-66) while the Panthers shot 44.6 percent (29-of-65) from the floor. Guard Quantrice Hunter led Olive-Harvey in scoring with 20 points.

Harper opens its home schedule on Tuesday evening at 7 PM against Judson University.