Men’s basketball team falls to Calvin, 89-67, in first round of 2008 MIAA Tournament

The Olivet College men's basketball team was defeated by Calvin College, 89-67, tonight in the first round of the 2008 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Tournament at the Knollcrest Fieldhouse in Grand Rapids. With the win, the Knights advance to Friday night's semifinals against Albion College.

In the first half, Calvin shot a sizzling 64.3 percent (18-of-28) from the field, including 9-of-12 shooting from behind the three-point arc, to take a 53-38 lead at the break. The Comets made 15-of-28 baskets for 53.6 percent and just 2-of-9 three-pointers. Olivet did trim its deficit down to 12 points early in the second half. The Knights' biggest lead of the half was 28 points.

For the game, Calvin made 32-of-57 baskets for 56.1 percent. The Comets made 27-of-57 baskets. Junior Brandon McClary (Bellaire) led the Comets with 20 points and eight rebounds. Senior Brandon Way (Detroit/Southwestern) and freshman Michael McClary (Bellaire) joined them in double figures with 16 and 14 points, respectively. With his four three-pointers, Way broke Olivet's single-season record. The previous record was 61 by Travis Gessner during the 2001-02 season.

Derek Griffin led the Knights and all scorers with 35 points, including eight triples. Caleb Veldhouse finished with 21 points, and Josh Engelsma had 12. John Mantel grabbed a team-high seven rebounds.

Olivet ends its season with a 9-16 overall record.