Men’s basketball team falls to Wittenberg, 71-58, in semifinals of Charles B. Zimmerman Memorial Classic

The Olivet College men's basketball team suffered a 71-58 loss to the host Tigers tonight in the semifinals of the Wittenberg University Charles B. Zimmerman Memorial Classic. The Comets will play Marian (Ind.) College in the consolation game tomorrow at 2:45 p.m. Marian fell to Wisconsin-LaCrosse in a double overtime thriller, 83-81.

Wittenberg (4-5) took a 14-8 lead at the 13:03 mark of the first half. The Comets (2-6) held the Tigers scoreless for the next four minutes, taking a 17-14 lead when senior Evan Jones (Charlotte) made a jumper. Wittenberg turned the tables and kept Olivet off the scoreboard for nearly seven minutes, grabbing a nine-point lead, 32-23, at halftime.

In the second half, the Tigers were able to extend their lead to 21 points twice with the last time being 58-37 at the 10:49 mark. The Comets closed to within six points with 2:56 remaining when junior Brandon McClary (Bellaire) made a layup.

Freshman Michael McClary (Bellaire) posted a double-double, 14 points and 13 rebounds, to lead Olivet. He also blocked three shots and did not commit a turnover in 24 minutes. Brandon McClary finished with 11 points. Sophomore Joel Kerns (North Judson, Ind.) added nine points.

Gregg Hill paced Wittenberg with 23 points, followed by Brandan Barabino with 17 points. Kevin Murray had a team-leading nine rebounds.

Following tomorrow's game, the Comets will play Anderson (Ind.) University Monday, Jan. 7, at 7 p.m.