Men’s basketball team defeats Marian, 65-58, in consolation game of Charles B. Zimmerman Memorial Classic

The Olivet College men's basketball team defeated Marian (Ind.) College, 65-58, this afternoon in the consolation game of the Charles B. Zimmerman Memorial Classic, which was hosted by Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio. For his efforts in the tournament, freshman Michael McClary (Bellaire) was named to the all-tournament team.

The Comets led the entire first half, building a pair of 13-point leads. The first was 22-9 at the 10:06 mark when senior Evan Jones (Charlotte) nailed his first collegiate three-pointer. The second was 33-20 at the 1:26 mark when senior Jeff Cooper (Dowagiac) made a free throw. The Knights hit two three-pointers to make the score 33-26 at halftime. In the first 20 minutes, Olivet made 13-of-25 baskets, while Marian made just 9-of-31 baskets.

The Comets were able to maintain their lead throughout the entire second half. The Knights did come back and forced two ties, 48-48 and 50-50. Following the 50-50 deadlock, Olivet went on a 9-1 run to take an eight-point lead, 59-51, with just over two minutes left.

Four Comet starters reached double figures, as Michael McClary led the way with 14 points. Senior Brandon Way (Detroit/Southwestern) was next with 13, followed by Cooper and junior Brandon McClary (Bellaire) with 12 and 10, respectively. Michael McClary grabbed a game-high nine rebounds, while older brother, Brandon, had eight rebounds.

Jordan Tucker was Marian's leading scorer with 17 points. He also grabbed eight rebounds. Tyler Kleinschmidt and Brandon Callahan joined him in double figures with 14 and 12 points, respectively.

The Comets will return to the court Monday, Jan. 7, when it hosts Anderson (Ind.) University in a rescheduled game. Tip-off from the Upton Center in Olivet is 7 p.m.