Men’s basketball team falls to Albion, 68-54, in regular-season finale

The Olivet College men's basketball team was defeated by Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) rival Albion College, 68-54, this evening in its regular-season finale at the Upton Center in Olivet.

The Britons (10-14, 8-6 MIAA) led by 10 points, 20-10, with just under 10 minutes left in the first half. The Comets (5-19, 3-11 MIAA) came back and trailed by only three points, 26-23, at halftime.

In the second half, Albion led until the 12:44 mark when freshman Bryan Dutton (Napoleon) put Olivet ahead, 39-38, with a three-pointer from the top of the key. The Britons came right back and regained the lead, 40-39. The Comets took the lead back, 41-40 when freshman Jon Shurr (Valparaiso, Ind./Boone Grove) canned two free throws.

Albion answered with six straight points to take the lead for good. Olivet made it a two-point game, 46-44, with 6:26 left. The Britons sealed their win by making 12 free throws in the final four minutes.

Junior Jeff Cooper (Dowagiac) led the Comets with 12 points. Junior Brandon Way (Detroit/Southwestern) joined him in double figures with 11 points. Junior Evan Jones (Charlotte) grabbed a game-high seven rebounds.

Albion placed three starters in double figures. Drew Yancey led the way with 18 points, followed by Andrew Holms and Zak Silas with 15 points a piece. Silas and Dean Raven each had six rebounds.

Olivet will next play Calvin College in a quarterfinal game of the MIAA Tournament next Wednesday, Feb. 21. Tip-off from the Calvin Fieldhouse will be 7:30 p.m.