HESSTON, Kan. — The Hesston College men's basketball team opened the season at home on Thursday night, falling 80–60 to Ottawa University. Ottawa came out strong in the first half, using efficient shooting and a pair of early three-pointers to build momentum and take a 43–26 lead into halftime. Hesston responded with better ball movement and scoring rhythm in the second period, putting up 34 points after the break, but the early deficit proved difficult to overcome.

Trent Thompson led the Larks with a double-double, scoring 14 points to go along with 10 rebounds and four steals, consistently finding ways to create second-chance opportunities inside. Devin Lewis added 16 points and knocked down three shots from behind the arc, while Brennon Dodge and Jabari Jolley each contributed seven points. Hesston's bench also provided a lift, including a five-point burst from Brooks Thrift in limited minutes.

Hesston battled more evenly in the second half, improving defensively and forcing 11 Ottawa turnovers, but Ottawa's balanced scoring and consistent free-throw shooting down the stretch helped seal the result. The Larks finished with 34 rebounds and 11 steals as a team.