Men's basketball team defeated by Madonna, 72-68

The Olivet College men's basketball team was defeated by Madonna University, 72-68, tonight in a non-conference contest at the Upton Center in Olivet.

Madonna (2-6) jumped out to a 10-3 lead just three minutes into the game. The Comets (1-4) took an 18-17 lead at the 12:36 mark when freshman Joel Kerns (North Judson, Ind.) canned a three-pointer. The Crusaders came back and pushed their lead to 10 points, 36-26, with 4:35 remaining before halftime. At the break, Madonna had a 42-35 lead.

In the second half, Olivet battled back to force ties at 53-53 and 55-55. The Comets went ahead by one point, 59-58, with 6:23 left in the game. After a 60-60 tie, the Crusaders scored four straight points to go ahead 64-60. Madonna made six free throws in the final 4:18 to seal its victory.

For the game, both teams made 27-of-60 field goals, including eight-of-22 three-pointers. The difference in the game was free throws as the Crusaders made 10-of-12 attempts, while Olivet made six-of-eight attempts.

Junior Brandon Way (Detroit/Southwestern) scored a career-high 20 points to lead the Comets. Junior Jeff Cooper (Dowagiac) and freshman Andy Sierminski (Jackson/Lumen Christi) joined him in double figures with 18 and 11 points, respectively. Cooper and Sierminski each grabbed a team-high seven rebounds. Cooper and Way had five assists a piece.

For Madonna, Derrick Mudri led all players with 23 points and 15 rebounds. He made seven-of-11 baskets, including five three-pointers.

Olivet is now idle until Friday, Dec. 15, when it travels to play Defiance (Ohio) College at 3 p.m.