Men’s basketball team loses to Carthage, 106-93

OLIVET, Mich. – Senior Lee Gardner scored a game-high 33 points, including 23 in the second half but it was not enough as the Olivet College men's basketball team fell to Carthage (Wis.) College, 106-93, in its home-opener tonight at The Cutler Event Center in Olivet.

There were six lead changes and a pair of tied scores in the first 10 minutes of the game. The Comets led by three points twice, with the last time being 26-23 at the 8:55 mark after freshman Kyle Emory made a fast-break layup. The Red Men answered with a 9-0 run over the next three minutes and 24 seconds for a six-point cushion, 32-26.

Olivet fought back and trailed by only two points, 34-32, with 4:31 left before halftime. Carthage stretched its lead to seven points on three occasions before settling for 45-40 lead at the break.

In the second half, the Red Men pushed their lead to as many as 11 points twice, with the last time being 66-55 at the 13:11 mark. The Comets responded with seven straight points to cut their deficit down to four points, 66-62. The teams traded three-point baskets and layups over the next four and one-half minutes to keep the margin at four points.

Following a 77-73 score, Carthage went on a 12-4 run to take its largest lead of the game, 89-77, with 6:06 remaining. Olivet did not go down quietly, as it came within seven points, 92-85. The Comets never drew any closer for the rest of the game.

For the game, Carthage made 30 baskets, including 17 from behind the arc, and 29 free throws for its 106 points. Olivet had 31 baskets, with 11 three-pointers, and 20 free throws for its 93 points.

Gardner made 10-of-19 field goals, including a pair of three-pointers, and 11-of-15 free throws for his 33 points. He also grabbed nine rebounds, made two steals and dished out two assists. Emory joined him double figures with 18 points. Junior Kevin Woodson chipped-in 11 points. Playing his first minutes of the season, junior R.J. Haas added eight points off the bench. Junior Zach Walker registered five assists.

Six Carthage players reached double figures in the scoring column. Jordon Kedrowski led the way with 19, including five triples. Mike Stephenson and Kevin Kozil came off the bench to score 15 and 14, respectively. Brad Kruse added 13, while Drew Joiner and Myles Olsen had 10 each. Kruse and Stevenson pulled down five rebounds apiece.

The Comets are now off until Wednesday, Dec. 9, when they travel to play Elmhurst (Ill.) College at 8 p.m. EST.