Men’s basketball team comes from behind to beat Madonna, 70-66

The Olivet College men's basketball team came from behind to beat Madonna University, 70-66, tonight in the first game of the 2008 MIAA-WHAC Classic at Alma College's Cappeart Gymnasium. Olivet will play University of Mich.-Dearborn in the final game of the classic tomorrow night at 6 p.m.

In the first half, the Comets went ahead by five points, 18-13, after sophomore Michael McClary (Bellaire) drained a free throw to complete a three-point play at the 12:06 mark. Over the next four minutes, the Crusaders scored the next nine points to take a 22-18 lead. Olivet fought back to tie the game at 22-22, 24-24 and 26-26.

Following the 26-26 tie, Madonna tallied eight of the next 10 points to take its biggest lead of the opening 20 minutes at 34-28 with 49 seconds left before the break. At halftime, the Crusaders led by five, 36-31.

In the second half, Madonna pushed its advantage to nine points, 42-33, at the 16:19 mark. The Comets answered with a 10-0 run to take a 43-42 lead. After a free throw for the Crusaders tied the game at 43-43, sophomore Andre Evans (Muskegon/Muskegon Heights) nailed a three-pointer to put Olivet back up by three, 46-46, with 11:46 left in the game.

For the next 10 minutes off the clock, the Comets did not trail. A three-pointer gave Madonna a one-point lead, 66-65, with 1:41 remaining in regulation. A pair of free throws by junior James Scott (Detroit/Finney) allowed Olivet to re-gain the lead, 66-65. With 45 seconds left, the Crusaders tied the game at 66-66, the 11th tied score in the game.

On the ensuing trip down the court, junior Joel Kerns (North Judson, Ind./North Judson) canned a jumper to make the score, 68-66. Madonna's chance to tie the game was off the mark, and Michael McClary grabbed the defensive rebound and was fouled. He made both free throws to seal the win. A three-pointer at the buzzer also fell short for the Crusaders.

Michael McClary had a monster game for the Comets, posting his fourth double-double of the season (20 points and 17 rebounds). He also blocked five shots and did not commit a foul in 38 minutes. Senior Brandon McClary (Bellaire) joined him in double figures with 19 points, while Kerns added 11 points.

Madonna was led by Cedric Sims, who had team-high honors in points (20) and rebounds (eight). Leroy Allen and Bryant Slaughter contributed 10 points apiece.

Following tomorrow's game, the Comets will travel to play Spring Arbor University next Friday, Dec. 12. Game time is 7 p.m.