Men's basketball team defeated by Albion, 59-43

The Olivet College men's basketball team was defeated by Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association rival Albion College, 59-43, this evening at the Upton Center in Olivet.

In the first half, the Britons (14-5, 8-2 MIAA) raced out to a 15-7 lead in the first 10 minutes, 40 seconds. Olivet (5-16, 1-9 MIAA) slowly chipped away at its deficit and trailed by one point, 20-19, at halftime.

After Albion took a three-point lead, 26-23, in the early stages of the second half, the Comets' Brandon McClary (Bellaire) scored six straight points to give them their first lead of the game. The Britons answered with back-to-back threes from Jim Cash, and they did not give up their lead. Albion's biggest lead was the 16-point margin of victory.

Olivet, who shot a dismal 28.6 percent (16-of-56) from the floor, was led in scoring by Brandon McClary with 15 points. Freshman Michael McClary (Bellaire) contributed seven points and grabbed a team-leading seven rebounds.

Cash was the only Briton in double figures with game-high 23 points. He made 8-of-12 baskets, including 7-of-10 three-pointers. Off the bench, Andy Reule had a game-high 10 rebounds.

The Comets are back in action Wednesday, Feb. 13, when it hosts Alma College at 8 p.m.