Women’s basketball team slips past Adrian, 54-51

ADRIAN, Mich. – The Olivet College women's basketball team defeated Adrian College, 54-51, tonight at the Merillat Sports & Fitness Center in Adrian. With the win, the Comets move into sole possession of third-place in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association standings with a 5-3 record.

With the score knotted at 4-4 in the first period, senior Dallas Austin made two straight baskets to put the Comets ahead 8-4. The Bulldogs scored eight of the next 10 points to take a 12-10 lead. Olivet ended the period on a 7-0 run to take its largest lead of the game, 17-12.

The Comets extended their lead to seven points, 19-12, with the first basket of the second quarter. From there, Adrian netted eight consecutive points to gain a 20-19 lead with 6:56 left in the stanza. Senior Jackie Harwood responded with a three-pointer to give Olivet the lead back, 22-20. The Comets would maintain their lead, holding a five-point advantage, 28-23, at halftime.

Olivet took its largest lead of the game, 39-27, at the 2:37 mark of the third period. The Bulldogs scored the final seven points of the quarter to trail by only five, 39-32, to start the last quarter. Adrian closed to within one point on two occasions, 48-47 and 50-49, in the fourth period.

For the game, Austin scored a team-high 15 points to go along with six rebounds, two assists, two steals and three blocked shots, while committing only one turnover in 37 minutes. Senior Bre Kidd posted a double-double, 10 points and 10 rebounds. Senior Shauni Hankins and junior Gabby Trudell finished with eight points apiece.

Adrian was led by Amber McCullough who scored 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Jorden York had 11 points.

The Comets travel to play Saint Mary's (Ind.) College Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m.