Men's basketball team falls to Northwood, 84-66

The Olivet College men's basketball team fell to NCAA Division II foe Northwood University, 84-66, tonight at the Bennett Center in Midland.

After Olivet took a 17-14 lead at the 9:54 mark of the opening half, the Timberwolves scored 15 straight points to take a 29-17 lead. Northwood's biggest lead of the half was 16 points on two occasions with the last time being 37-21. The Comets trimmed their deficit to 13 points, 43-30, at halftime.

In the first half, junior Joel Kerns (North Judson, Ind.) and senior Brandon McClary (Bellaire) each scored 10 points. Olivet shot a dismal 32 percent (10-of-31) from the floor, while the Timberwolves were 15-of-28 (54%). The Comets were a perfect 7-of-7 from the free throw line.

Early in the second half, Olivet would get as close as eight points, 44-36. Late in the game, Northwood led by as many as 23 points.

McClary finished with a game-high 20 points for the Comets. Kerns and freshman Andy Clark (Lansing/Perry) joined him in double figures with 12 and 11 points, respectively. Sophomore Michael McClary (Bellaire) posted team-high honors in rebounds (seven) and blocked shots (three). Sophomore Andre Evans (Muskegon/Muskegon Heights) recorded six assists, while sophomore Joe Post (Olivet) dished out four assists and committed zero turnovers in his first collegiate start.

Lionel Sullivan paced the Timberwolves with 19 points and 14 rebounds. Antonio Harrison added 13 and Mark Barnes had 10.

Olivet will return to action Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, when it hosts Hope College to open Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play. Game time from The Cutler Event Center in Olivet is 7:30 p.m.