ELMIRA, N.Y. – Penn College surrendered a first half lead en route to 69-65 setback to Elmira College in a nonconference men's basketball game Tuesday. The Wildcats fell to 0-5, while the Eagles improved to 2-6.

How it happened: Penn College jumped out to a 7-2 lead following a pair of free throws from Gavin Barrett four minutes into the game, but Elmira responded with a 17-5 run to take a 19-12 advantage midway through the opener. The Wildcats rallied to tie the game at 21-21, after a pair of Corey Blackwell free throws, with 6:39 left before the half. Penn College ended the half with a 15-11 spurt to lead 36-32 at halftime.

The Eagles built a 47-39 lead with 12:51 left in the game, but the Wildcats responded to tie the game, 51-51, on Blackwell's layup with 8:55 on the clock. Elmira quickly regained the lead and never surrendered it the remainder of the game.

Inside the box: Chris Cespedes led Penn College with 16 points, Blackwell added 13, and Barrett finished with 12 points. Will Sulesky grabbed a game-best nine rebounds and Barrett dished out a game-high five assists.

Up next: Penn College returns to action Friday, 5 p.m., hosting Gallaudet in its United East opener.