Men's basketball team loses Thanksgiving thriller at Trinity, 63-61 in overtime

On a day to give thanks, neither team wanted to be on the losing end, as the Trinity (Texas) University rallied to beat the Olivet College men's basketball team, 63-61, in overtime tonight at the San Antonio Shootout.

In the first half, Trinity took a 12-point lead, 14-2, at the 12:44 mark. The Comets battled back and tied the game at 24-24 with 3:12 left before halftime. Olivet grabbed its first lead of the game at 27-26 when senior Brandon McClary (Bellaire) made a free throw to complete a three-point play.

After the Tigers made a three-pointer to go back ahead, 29-27, sophomore Andre Evans (Muskegon/Muskegon Heights) answered with a three-pointer to put the Comets up by one point, 30-29. A free throw for Trinity knotted the score at 30-30. Brandon McClary gave Olivet a 32-30 lead at halftime with a jump shot.

In the second half, the Comets extended their lead to nine points, 47-38, at the 13:23 mark when junior Joel Kerns (North Judson, Ind./North Judson) nailed a three-pointer. The Tigers clawed their way back, taking a 54-53 with 3:19 remaining in the game. Olivet answered with a layup by sophomore Michael McClary (Bellaire) to go back up by one point, 55-54. Trinity came right back with a jumper and free throw for a three-point play to lead by two, 57-55.

The Comets sent the game to overtime with the score knotted at 57-57 after junior James Scott (Detroit/Finney) canned a pair of free throws with 91 seconds remaining in regulation. In addition, after 40 minutes of play, each team had 11 offensive and 25 defensive rebounds for 36 total rebounds.

The extra session was also a back and forth affair. After Trinity made two free throws, Olivet tied the game on a jumper by Michael McClary. Two more free throws gave the Tigers the lead back, 61-59. After grabbing two consecutive offensive rebounds, Michael McClary put the ball through the hoop on the third try to make the score, 61-61. With 2.61 seconds left, the Tigers scored the game-winner.

Brandon McClary led the Comets with 15 points. Michael McClary posted a double-double, 11 points and 12 rebounds. Kerns chipped in with 10 points and seven rebounds.

Luke Caldarera finished with 15 points, including the game-winner, for the Tigers. He also grabbed 10 rebounds. B.J. Moon joined him in double figures with 12 points.

The Comets will stay in Texas and play Whitman (Wash.) College tomorrow at 8 p.m. CT.