Men’s basketball team falls to Hanover, 68-64, in first round of John R. Collier Tournament

The Olivet College men's basketball team fell to the host Panthers, 68-64, tonight in the first round of the 15th Annual Hanover (Ind.) College John R. Collier Tournament at the Collier Arena in Hanover, Ind. The Comets will play Brescia (Ky.) University in the consolation game of the tournament tomorrow at 1 p.m. Brescia suffered an 83-54 loss to Shawnee State (Ohio) University in the other first round game.

After Hanover scored the first six points of the game, Olivet scored eight of the next 10 points to tie the game at 8-8. The Comets then took a one-point lead on two occasions, the last time being 20-19 with just under 10 minutes left on the clock in the first half. The Panthers responded with a 10-1 run to take their largest lead of the half, 29-20, at the 5:09 mark. Over the final 5:09, Olivet outscored them, 8-2, to cut its deficit to three points, 31-28, at halftime.

Hanover led by six points twice in the first eight minutes of the second half. Olivet grabbed its first lead of the half, 58-57, with four minutes remaining. The Panthers took the lead back and did not relinquish it for the rest of the game.

For the game, senior Brandon Way (Detroit/Southwestern) scored a game-high 18 points, dished out five assists and blocked three shots. Junior Brandon McClary (Bellaire) contributed 17 points, while senior Jeff Cooper (Dowagiac) had 15 points, including 7-of-8 shooting from the free throw line. Freshman Michael McClary (Bellaire) had a team-high seven rebounds to go along with three blocks.

Clint Parker paced Hanover with 17 points. Robby Brown and Mitchell Meyer joined him in double figures with 14 and 10 points, respectively. Brown also grabbed eight rebounds.

Following tomorrow's game, Olivet will travel to play Concordia University Wednesday, Nov. 28, at 7:30 p.m.