Men’s basketball team falls on the road at Concordia, 78-61

The Olivet College men's basketball team fell to non-conference foe Concordia University, 78-61, tonight at the Cardinal Field House in Ann Arbor.

The difference in the game was the first half. The Cardinals (3-5) made 18-of-27 baskets for a sizzling 66.7 percent en route to a 44-28 halftime lead. The Comets (2-4) made only 10-of-34 baskets (29.4 percent). Concordia cooled off a little in the second half, shooting 48.4 percent (15-of-31). Olivet connected on 13-of-26 baskets.

Freshman Michael McClary (Bellaire) nearly posted his third double-double of the season, scoring 16 points and grabbing nine rebounds. In addition, he did not commit a turnover and blocked two shots in 27 minutes of action. Senior Jeff Cooper (Dowagiac) joined him in double figures with 14 points, including 10-of-11 shooting from the free throw line. Junior Brandon McClary (Bellaire) contributed eight points, while senior Paul Smith (Jackson/Napoleon) dished out four assists.

The Cardinals placed three starters in double figures. Dennis Meaney led the way with a game-high 21 points on 9-of-11 shooting. Anthony Bates and Marquis Turley added 17 and 16 points, respectively.

Olivet are now idle until Saturday, Dec. 15, when it hosts Anderson (Ind.) University at 5 p.m. The next day, Dec. 16, the Comets will host University of Wisc.-Whitewater at 2 p.m.