Men's basketball team defeats Tri-State, 72-65

The Olivet College men's basketball team came from behind to beat Tri-State (Ind.) University Saturday at Hershey Hall.

The Thunder had a pair of six-point leads in the first half. Tri-State also led, 29-25, with just over three minutes left before halftime. The Comets scored the final six points of the half to take a two-point lead, 31-29, at the break.

In the first 10 minutes, 41 seconds of the second half, there were five tied scores. Following the last tie (47-47), Olivet senior Brandon Way (Detroit/Southwestern) made a free throw for a 48-47 lead, which it did not relinquish. The Comets' biggest lead was eight points, 64-56, with 3:20 left in the contest.

Brothers Brandon and Michael McClary (Bellaire) each scored 15 points. Michael also had 14 rebounds for his ninth double-double of the 2007-08 season. Way and senior Paul Smith (Jackson/Napoleon) finished with 12 and 10 points, respectively.

Tony Benford scored 31 points for the Thunder. Andre Patrick had 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Olivet will conclude regular season play next week. On Wednesday, the Comets travel to play Kalamazoo College at 8 p.m., and on Saturday, they host Calvin College at 3 p.m.