Men's basketball team upends Calvin, 82-65

In the final basketball game at the Frederick S. Upton Center, the Olivet College men's basketball team upset Calvin College, 85-65. With the win, the Comets beat the Knights for the first time since Jan. 20, 1999, a span of 22 games.

The first 10 minutes, 53 seconds of the game featured several lead changes. Olivet (9-15, 5-9 MIAA) led by five points, 19-14, with eight minutes left before halftime. The Knights answered by scoring 10 of the next 12 points to take a three-point lead, 24-21. In the final six minutes of the half, the Comets made four three-pointers, including three by senior Jeff Cooper (Dowagiac), for a 38-34 lead at halftime.

In the first three minutes of the second half, Olivet went on an 11-0 run to take a 15-point lead, 49-34. For all but 13 seconds in the final 17 minutes, the Comets had a double digit lead. The 17-point margin of victory matched their largest lead.

Freshman Michael McClary (Bellaire) picked-up his fourth consecutive double-double and 11th of the season, scoring 13 points and grabbing 17 rebounds. He also had a game-high five assists. Junior Brandon McClary (Bellaire) had his seventh double-double of the season with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Senior Brandon Way (Detroit/Southwestern) led all scorers with 20 points. Cooper came off the bench to score 14 points.

Josh Engelsma and Caleb Veldhouse scored 15 points a piece to lead Calvin (14-10, 9-5 MIAA). Matt Veltma had 10 points. Tim Katt grabbed six rebounds, as the Knights were out-rebounded, 51-31.

Olivet will travel to play Calvin in the first round of the 2008 MIAA Tournament Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m.