RICHMOND – Led by a career effort from freshman Casey Keesee, the Earlham College men's basketball team downed Defiance College 74-66 in Druley Performance Gym on Wednesday evening. 

Keesee matched his career high with 20 points, shooting 4-for-7 from 3-point range. The freshman also added four steals and three assists. Tommy Makabu led under the board with eight rebounds and 12 points. Jaden Terry shot 50% from 3-point range to score 15 points with five rebounds, and Joffrey Nunally reached double digits for the first time in his career. 

The Quakers shot 53% on field goals in the first half, and led the final nine minutes of play after an 11-1 run. EC withstood a 9-3 run by Defiance midway through the second half to hold the lead. Earlham was out front the entire second half, and ended the contest on a 15-10 run. 

Earlham will be back in action on Saturday at Manchester University. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 pm.