McClary brothers lead men's basketball team to an 80-71 win against Anderson

Brandon McClary and Michael McClary (Bellaire) each posted a double-double to lead the Olivet College men's basketball team to an 80-71 win against Anderson (Ind.) University this evening at the Upton Center in Olivet. Michael scored 21 points on 10-of-11 shooting from the floor and grabbed 18 rebounds, including 13 off the defensive glass. Brandon had 14 points and 10 rebounds. Senior Jeff Cooper (Dowagiac) joined them in double figures with 16 points.

At the 11:44 mark of the first half, Olivet (4-6) jumped out to an eight-point lead, 17-9, when senior Evan Jones (Charlotte) made a free throw to complete a three-point play. Anderson (6-7) came back to tie the game at 23-23 with 6:17 left. In the final 6:17 of the opening 20 minutes, the Comets out-scored the Ravens, 17-2, to take a 15-point lead, 40-25 into the locker rooms.

In the second half, Olivet extended its lead to 19 points, 55-36, at the 11:28 mark. Anderson went on a 13-2 scoring spurt to push its deficit down to single digits. The Comets quickly re-gained a double digit lead, but the Ravens answered by knocking down three three-pointers to trail by six points, which would be the closest that they would get.

Despite turning the ball over 19 more times, Olivet shot 53.4 percent (31-of-58) from the floor and 16-of-20 (80%) from the free throw line. Anderson was 24-of-86 (27.9 percent) from the floor and 17-of-26 (65.4%) from the charity stripe. The Comets had a 54-42 advantage in total rebounds, while the Ravens had a 27-15 edge in offensive rebounds.

In addition to his 21 points and 18 rebounds, Michael McClary had four assists, two blocks, two steals and committed only one turnover in 33 minutes of action. Brandon McClary finished with four blocks and two assists. Senior Brandon Way (Detroit/Southwestern) had a game-high seven assists.

For Anderson, Ryan Fultz scored 18 points. He and Keith Dabney shared team-high honors with eight rebounds a piece. Tyler Stotler and Andrew Jones contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively.

Olivet is back in action Wednesday night when it opens Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association