Men’s basketball: Comets open MIAA play with 74-69 loss to Adrian

OLIVET, Mich. – The Olivet College men's basketball team opened Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) play with a tough 74-69 loss to Adrian College tonight at The Cutler Event Center in Olivet.

The Bulldogs built a nine-point lead, 29-20, with 4:25 left in the first half. The Comets responded with a 12-2 run to take their first lead since early in the game, 32-31. The teams traded baskets before an Olivet three-pointer made the score 37-33 at halftime.

In the second half, the Comets stretched their lead to 13 points, 52-39, on a three-pointer by sophomore Kevin Woodson at the 12:46 mark. Adrian chipped away at its deficit and tied the game at 69-69 with 1:40 left. A jumper by Curtis Gordon put the Bulldogs ahead 71-69. Olivet then turned the ball with 30 ticks remaining. Adrian made 3-of-6 free throws in the final 27 seconds to earn the win.

Making his debut in a Comet uniform, freshman Jake Zielinski scored 20 points. Seniors DeOndre Callahan and Blake Krum each scored 10 points. Sophomore Eric Ewing grabbed a team-high six rebounds, while scoring nine points.

Rickey Jackson scored 20 points, pulled down seven rebounds and dished out five assists to lead the Bulldogs. Ben Rodak and Gordon added 16 and 11 points, respectively.

Olivet continues MIAA play Saturday with a 3 p.m. game at Kalamazoo College.