Men’s basketball team beats Adrian, 81-76, in regular-season finale

The Olivet College men's basketball team defeated Adrian College, 81-76, this afternoon in its Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) regular-season finale at The Cutler Event Center in Olivet. With the win, the Comets secured the No. 4 seed in the 2009 MIAA Tournament and will host a first round game on Wednesday night.

In the first seven minutes of the game, there were five tied scores and three lead changes. Olivet took the lead for good on a three-pointer by junior Andy Clark (Lansing/Perry) at the 13:04 mark. The Comets stretched their lead to as many as nine points, 39-30, on another three by Clark with 44 seconds showing on the first half clock. Desmond Young scored the final five points of the half for the Bulldogs, who trailed 39-35, at the break.

Olivet was never able to gain a double digit lead in the second half, leading by nine points twice. Adrian came back and trimmed its deficit down to two points, 78-76, with 42 seconds left. The Comets scored the last three points on a layup and free throw.

The Comets shot nearly identical numbers in each half, 48.5 percent (16-of-33) in the first half and 48.4 percent (15-of-31) in the second half. Olivet out-rebounded the Bulldogs, 36-24, including a 16-5 edge on the offensive glass. The Comets also dished out 23 assists to just 10 for Adrian.

For Olivet, sophomore Michael McClary (Bellaire) scored a team-high 21 points on 9-of-13 shooting and blocked four shots. Senior Brandon McClary (Bellaire) posted his eighth double-double of the season with 16 points and 14 rebounds. Clark and junior Joel Kerns (North Judson, Ind.) joined them in double figures with 12 and 10 points, respectively. Sophomore Joe Post (Olivet) had seven assists and turned the ball over only two times.

Young led all scorers with 30 points. Michael Staley added 15 points and a team-high seven rebounds. Matt Wayne contributed 14 points.

The Comets will host Kalamazoo College in the first round of the tournament. Game time is 7:30 p.m. Olivet and Kalamazoo split their regular season meetings. The Comets won in Kalamazoo (72-65), while the Hornets won in Olivet (70-65).