Evans’ buzzer-beater lifts men’s basketball team to 81-79 win against Franklin (Ind.)

Sophomore Andre Evans (Muskegon/Muskegon Heights) made a layup at the buzzer, and senior Brandon McClary (Bellaire) scored a career-high 38 points to lift the College men's basketball team to a thrilling 81-79 win over Franklin (Ind.) College tonight at The Cutler Event Center in Olivet.

The first half was full of big runs for both teams. Franklin opened the game with an 8-0 run and went on to lead by seven points, 13-6, with 15:16 left before halftime. The Comets answered with a 21-6 run to take their largest lead of the half, 27-19, at the 10:24 mark.

The Grizzlies responded with a 12-2 scoring spurt to regain the lead, 31-29, and eventually lead by four points on two occasions, including 43-39. A three-pointer by Evans cut Olivet's deficit to one, 43-42 at halftime.

The Comets took their first lead of the second half, 71-70, at the 6:28 mark when McClary made a jump shot. After Olivet stretched its lead to eight points, 79-71, with 3:45 left, Franklin rattled off eight straight points to tie the game at 79-79. After a timeout with 32 seconds remaining, Evans could not find an open player, so he dribbled along the baseline and lay in the winning basket. The buzzer sounded as the ball went through the basket.

For the game, Olivet shot 58.7 percent (37-of-63) from the floor, including 69.2 percent (18-of-26) in the second half. McClary drained 19-of-26 baskets for his 38 points. He also grabbed a team-high seven rebounds. Evans finished with 21 points and five assists, while junior James Scott (Detroit/Finney) added 12 points. Sophomore Joe Post (Olivet) collected a game-high six assists and turned the ball over only once in 17 minutes.

All five Franklin starters reached double figures, led by John Yochum's 23 points. Will Conoley contributed 17 points, Jared Catron and Dustin Marshall each had 12, and Jace Redman had 10. Catron pulled down a game-high eight rebounds.

The Comets will take a break for Christmas and return to action Tuesday, Dec. 30, when they travel to play Northwood University at 6 p.m.

NOTE: McClary's 38 points is believed to be the fourth highest for a single-game in school history.

1) Jeff Bell – 42 points vs. Walsh (11/21/1997)
2) Gordon Lofts – 40 points vs. Albion (2/17/1968)
3) Gordon Lofts – 39 points vs. Calvin (2/27/1965)
4) Brandon McClary - 38 points vs Franklin (12/17/2008)