RENSSELAER, Ind. — Trailing by only six points to start the second half, the Peregrines felt confident in their play in the first 20 minutes of action against NCAA Division II opponent Saint Joseph’s College. But in the opening minutes of the second half, the Pumas (4-2) went on a 16-4 run leading to a 100-77 win against the visiting Peregrines (1-8).

The two teams traded baskets to open the second half. Junior co-captain Kevin Thomas (Highland) hit a jumper in the lane to start the second half. Thirty seconds later, freshman Antonio Hurt (Michigan City) also connected on a shot from the paint and brought the Peregrines to within four points of the lead.

But during the next four-plus minutes, the Peregrines couldn’t register a field goal, were whistled for five fouls and commited one turnover. The Pumas turned each situation into points and were ahead 59-41 with 14:53 to play.

The Peregrines chipped into the lead and trailed 63-53 with a little more than 10 minutes to play. But the Pumas had another run left in their game plan and outscored the Peregrines 21-9 during a five-minute stretch to blow the game open.

Freshman guard Josh Collins (MacArthur, San Antonio, Tex.) led the Peregrines with 17 points, including a 3-pointer. Freshman Justin Latimore (Indianapolis North Central) led the team with 11 rebounds while connecting for 16 points. Thomas finished with 13 points and four rebounds, and Hurt scored 10 and had six rebounds. Senior DeWitt Jackson (Marquette) added eight points in the loss.

The Peregrines shot 47 percent from the field, eight percentage points behind the Pumas. But from the 3-point stripe, the Peregrines hit only twice on seven attempts (28 percent) while the Pumas were 10-of-22 (45 percent).

Purdue University Calumet visits Taylor University in Upland, Ind. this Tuesday, and Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion on Wednesday.