MBB vs Oakton 11.1.25
80
Winner Oakton Community College OAKTON C
79
Harper College HARPER C
Winner
Oakton Community College OAKTON C
80
Final
79
Harper College HARPER C
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 OT 1 F
Oakton Community College OAKTON C 38 31 11 80
Harper College HARPER C 35 34 10 79

Game Recap: Men's Basketball |

Hawks Falls in Overtime Battle vs Owls

Palatine, IL: The Hawks men's basketball team opened the 2025–26 season with a strong effort in a 79–80 overtime loss to Oakton. Despite the narrow defeat, the Hawks looked more composed, connected, and confident than they did at the start of last season.

Freshman guard Rashad Peeples made an immediate impact in his debut, scoring 25 points while showing leadership and control throughout the night. His ability to steady the offense and make plays under pressure kept Harper in contention from start to finish. Freshman center Kevin Edgecombe impressed in his first collegiate game as well, recording 14 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 blocks. His presence in the paint was a difference-maker, and with continued improvement in footwork and conditioning, he has the potential to become one of Harper's most dominant interior players.

Vanja and Marin Mrduljas provided balance and experience in the frontcourt. Vanja finished with 22 points and helped keep the Hawks' offense steady, while Marin brought energy and control in his Harper debut. Their chemistry and understanding of the game gave the team a dependable foundation inside.

After committing 12 turnovers in the first half, Harper settled down and finished with only 8 across the second half and overtime combined. That improvement in ball movement and decision-making helped the Hawks stay in the game late. Free throws, however, proved costly. Harper went 18-of-31 from the line, leaving several key points on the floor that ultimately made the difference in the one-point loss.

Even in defeat, the Hawks showed noticeable growth. The team played with better chemistry, defensive communication, and composure under pressure. If Harper can build on this performance and clean up small details, it has the potential to be a much more consistent and competitive team throughout the 2025–26 season.
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