Men’s basketball stung by Kalamazoo, 75-63

OLIVET, Mich. – The Olivet College men's basketball team let a seven-point halftime slip away, as Kalamazoo College rallied to beat the Comets, 75-63, tonight at The Cutler Event Center in Olivet.

Despite the loss, junior Eric Ewing scored a career-high 25 points to lead all players. Fifteen of his 25 points were in the first half, as Olivet built a 42-35 lead. Senior Lee Gardner was the only other Comet in double figures with 12 points.

The Hornets scored the first five points of the game. Olivet fought back and tied the game at 10-10. Kalamazoo built its lead back to seven points, 20-13. The Comets responded with a 7-0 run over the next minute and 40 seconds to knot the score at 20-20. The teams traded baskets until Ewing drained back-to-back three-pointers to put Olivet ahead for the first time in the game, 26-25.

Junior Zach Walker made two free throws before Adam Dykema nailed a three-pointer to tie the game at 28-28. The Comets scored the next point on a free throw by freshman Kyle Emory. Olivet continued to hold the lead and extended it to as many as seven points twice, with the 42-35 advantage at halftime being the last time.

Kalamazoo opened the second half on a 12-1 run to take a four-point lead, 47-43, at the 14:44 mark. The Comets made the next basket but they would not get any closer for the rest of the game. The 12-point margin of victory was the Hornets' largest lead of the game.

Ewing made 9-of-19 baskets, including five from three-point range, and 2-of-3 free throws for his 25 points. His previous career-high was 22 points earlier this season against Kalamazoo. Gardner had four baskets and three free throws for his 12 points. He also had six rebounds, three assists and three steals.

Josh Miller posted a double-double, 19 points and 10 rebounds, to lead the Hornets. Tommy Cerven chipped-in 17 points, and Chase Baysdell added 16.

The Comets will play their final road game of the season Saturday against Albion College. Tip-off at Kresge Gym is 3 p.m.