ROCKFORD, Ill. – The Harper College men's basketball team gave the top team in the country, Rock Valley College, a run for its money. In the end, it wasn't quite enough as the Hawks lost 81-69.

After an evenly played first half, the Golden Eagles (14-2, 1-0 N4C) held a 35-33 lead. The Hawks (7-10, 0-1 N4C) hung tough with the strong play of Davion Benton (Chicago, Ill. /Alcott College Prep), who posted a double-double of 23 points and 14 rebounds. Robert Hudson (Hoffman Estates, Ill./Conant) chipped in 13 points, and Admir Suljic (Chicago, Ill. /Lane Tech) scored 10.

However, the Hawks committed 23 turnovers in the game. Harper shot 49.2 percent from the floor (29-of-59) compared to 41.3 percent (31-of-75) for Rock Valley. The Hawks also held a 41-36 rebounding edge.

"We played with a lot of heart and hustle," said Harper head coach Justin Welke. "If we can play tough defense for a full 40 minutes and limit our turnovers, we can be a force to reckon with in conference play."

Rock Valley's top scorer, Jared Mayes, had a game-high 25 points to go along with six rebounds. Dalton Payton contributed 14 points.

Next up for Harper is a trip to No. 8 (Div. II) Triton College (15-2, 1-0 N4C). Tipoff is set for 3 PM on Saturday in River Grove.