Men's basketball team defeated by MIAA-rival Albion, 70-58

The Olivet College men's basketball team was defeated by Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) rival Albion College, 70-58, tonight at historic Kresge Gymnasium in Albion.

The Britons (7-5, 1-2 MIAA) took an 11-point lead, 23-12, at the 5:27 mark. Olivet (4-9, 0-3 MIAA) battled back and cut its deficit down to five points twice with the last time being, 29-24, with 1:42 left before halftime. An Albion free throw made the score 30-24 at the break.

The Comets scored the first two baskets of the second half to make it a two-point game, but they would not get any closer. The Britons held a double digit lead for most of the second half.

Freshman Michael McClary (Bellaire) posted his fifth double-double of the season, scoring 13 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, to lead Olivet. Junior Brandon McClary (Bellaire) led all scorers with 18 points. Senior Paul Smith (Jackson/Napoleon) tied a season-high with six points and dished out a career-best five assists.

Drew Yancey led three Albion starters in double figures with 16 points on 8-of-12 shooting from the floor. D.J. Mocini and Dean Raven contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively. Off the bench, Jim Cash was the leading rebounding with six boards.

The Comets are back in action Saturday afternoon when it visits Alma College. Tip-off at Cappaert Gym is 3 p.m.