Men's basketball team turns back Kalamazoo, 87-61

The Olivet College men's basketball team jumped out to a 51-27 halftime lead and never looked back in an 87-61 win over Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) rival Kalamazoo College this evening at the Anderson Athletic Center in Kalamazoo. The win extended the Comets' win streak to three games.

Olivet's (8-15, 4-9 MIAA) biggest lead of the opening 20 minutes was 27 points, 45-18, after sophomore Joel Kerns (North Judson, Ind.) with four minutes left before the break. In the second half, the Comets' lead was more than 20 points for all except three minutes. They led by as many as 31 points, 81-50, with nine minutes left.

For Olivet, senior Brandon Way (Detroit/Southwestern) scored a game-high 25 points, including 20 in the first half. He made 9-of-16 baskets, including 7-of-11 three-pointers, and dished out five assists. Junior Brandon McClary (Bellaire) contributed 21 points and eight rebounds. Freshman Michael McClary (Bellaire) posted his 10th double-double of the season, scoring 14 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. He also dished out three assists, blocked three shots, made three steals and committed only one turnover in 30 minutes.

Henry McCain led the Hornets (6-17, 3-10 MIAA) had a team-high 15 points. Pat Clancy and Matt Wagner each scored 11 points, while Mat Kellogg added 10. Kellogg, McCain and Wagner had six rebounds a piece.

The Comets conclude their regular season schedule Saturday when they host Calvin College at 3 p.m.