Men’s basketball: Olivet loses to UW-Eau Claire, 76-61

WHEATON, Ill. – The Olivet College men's basketball team lost 76-61 to University of Wis.-Eau Claire tonight in the consolation game of the Wheaton Lee Pfund Classic at King Arena in Wheaton, Ill. Senior Jordan Union was selected to all-tournament team.

The Blugolds built a 6-point lead, 8-2, in the first three minutes of the game. Olivet came back with a 9-2 run over the next two minutes to take its first lead, 11-10. Wis.-Eau Claire made a three-point to take the lead back 15-13. The Comets tied the game at 15-15, on two free throws.

The Blugolds made the next basket and never trailed for the rest of the game, with their 15-point advantage, 47-32, being their largest lead of the game. Olivet never got its deficit down to single digits in the second half.

For the game, the Comets' bench scored 44 of its 61 points. Sophomore R.J. Haas led the way with 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the floor and 4-of-5 free throws. Senior DeOndre Callahan registered 14 points. Union dished out six assists.

Kurtis Moody led Wis.-Eau Claire with 22 points.

Olivet (1-2) returns home to Michigan and will then play a game next Tuesday, Nov. 25, at Purdue University-Calumet (Ind.). Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.