McClary scores 1,000th career point as men’s basketball team beats Calvin, 84-61

Junior Michael McClary (Bellaire) became the 13th player in school history to score 1,000 points, as the Olivet College men's basketball team defeated Calvin College, 84-61, tonight at The Cutler Event Center in Olivet. For the game, McClary had 25 points and 10 rebounds for his 12th double-double of the season and the 33rd of his career.

Calvin led briefly in the first half by two points, 9-7, at the 15:53 mark. Olivet took the lead back at 10-9 after McClary drained a free throw to complete an old-fashioned three-point play. The Comets then went on a 25-4 run to take a 22-point lead with 5:33 left before halftime. During that streak, Olivet made 11-of-14 baskets, including eight straight. At halftime, the Comets led by 18 points, 44-26.

At the 13:42 mark of the second half, McClary made a jumper, which put him over the 1,000-point plateau. The Knights would cut their deficit down to 13 points, 62-49, with 9:41 left in regulation. The Comets extended their lead to as many as 27 points with 2:05 remaining.

For the game, Olivet shot 50.7 percent (35-of-69) from the floor to 39.7 percent (23-of-58) for the Knights. The Comets committed just five turnovers, while Calvin turned the ball over 16 times. Olivet out-rebounded the Knights by two, 38-36 and had a 20-6 advantage in assists.

Junior Andre Evans (Muskegon/Muskegon Heights) led all scorers with 27 points on 10-of-16 shooting from the floor and 3-of-4 from the charity stripe. McClary made 12 baskets and one free throw for his 25 points. Senior Andy Clark (Lansing/Perry) was a spark off the bench, scoring 15 points. Junior Nathan Jennings (Grant) joined them in double figures with 10 points. Junior Joe Post (Olivet) recorded 13 assists and did not commit a turnover in 30 minutes.

Tom Snikkers led Calvin with 13 points, while Bryan Powell came off the bench to score 11. John Mantel had a team-leading five rebounds.

Olivet will host Hope College Saturday night at 7:30 p.m.