Hillsboro, Kan. - The Tabor College Men's Basketball team returned to action and earned a split this past weekend as the Bluejays fell to Lindenwood University on Friday, before defeating Haskell University on Saturday at the annual Tabor College Holiday Classic.

On Friday Tabor fell to NAIA Division I and Heart of America Athletic Conference foe Lindenwood University 68-43.

Both teams struggled offensively early on as Tabor trailed 6-9 with just over 10 minutes to play in the first half. Lindenwood however would begin to find its rhythm as the Lions outscored the Bluejays 19-6 over the next 10 minutes to take a 38-15 lead into the break.

In the second half Tabor was unable to make up any ground as both teams traded baskets as the Lions outscored the Bluejays 30-28 for the half on their to the victory.

The Bluejays were led offensively by junior Damon Dechant (Kit Carson, Colo.) and sophomore Cody Arnold (Leon, Kan.) as the both tallied 11 points in the game. Senior Kyle Kroeker (Hillsboro, Kan.) chipped in defensively with a game high six steals.

In the second half Tabor was unable to make up any ground on the Lions, as Lindenwood earned the victory.

On Saturday Tabor avenged an early season loss as the Bluejays used a big second half to defeat Haskell Indian Nations University 78-67.

The Bluejays also welcomed back the return of senior forward Dan Hann (Phoenix, Ariz.)and freshman guard Lawson Kinglsey (Sedgewick, Kan.) as both returned to action after missing Friday's game due to flu like symptoms.

The Bluejays started out slow as Haskell jumped out to an early eight point led at 19-11 with just over 12 minutes to play in the half. The Bluejays however would begin to catch fire as they battled back to tie the game at 35 apiece heading into the break.

Tabor would continue to carry its momentum into the second half as the Bluejays opened up a commanding 16 point lead with just under eight minutes to play to secure its first victory of the new year.

Kroeker led the Bluejays offensively with game high 23 points while Dechant racked 15 points and senior Hann added 13 points.

Tabor (2-2 KCAC, 5-8 Overall) will resume conference play by traveling to Kansas Wesleyan University on Thursday, Jan. 7, at 8 p.m. in Salina, Kan.