Men’s basketball team loses to Adrian, 63-59

The Olivet College men's basketball team dropped a 63-59 decision to Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association rival Adrian College today inside The Cutler Event Center in Olivet.

After Adrian scored the first five points of the game, the Comets went on an 8-2 run to take their first lead of the game. Olivet stretched its lead to seven points, 18-11, with 7:33 left before halftime. The Bulldogs chipped away at their deficit and took a 24-25 lead. The Comets regained the lead on a jumper, but two free throws put Adrian back ahead by one, 27-26. Junior Nathan Jennings (Grant) nailed a jumper from the right baseline for a 28-27 Olivet lead at the intermission.

For the first 16½ minutes of the second half, the teams traded baskets and neither team led by more than four points. The Bulldogs took a 6-point lead, 54-48, with 3:45 left in regulation. Over the next two minutes, the Comets went on a 10-3 run to tie the game at 57-57. Wesley Reed put Adrian ahead with a jumper in the lane with 44.9 seconds left. Olivet missed two free throws with 25.2 seconds remaining. As a result, the Comets were forced to foul and the Bulldogs responded by making 4-of-4 free throws in the final 21.1 seconds.

For Olivet, junior Michael McClary (Bellaire) posted game-high honors in points (24) and rebounds (10) for his sixth straight double-double, 15th this season and 36th in his career. He also blocked three shots, made two steals and recorded two assists. Junior Joe Post (Olivet) was the only other Comet in double figures with 11 points.

Adrian had three players score in double figures, as Blair Ramsey led the way with 17 points. Wesley Reed and Delano Collins came off the bench to score 14 and 12 points, respectively. Chris Primley grabbed a team-high six rebounds.

Olivet will play its final two regular season games next week, beginning Wednesday night at Alma College at 7:30 p.m. One week from today, the Comets will host Kalamazoo College at 3 p.m.