Men’s basketball team beats Michigan-Dearborn, 89-81

Juniors Andre Evans (Muskegon/Muskegon Heights) and Michael McClary (Bellaire) each scored 17 points to lead the Olivet College men's basketball team to an 89-81 win today over University of Michigan-Dearborn at the second day of MIAA-WHAC Challenge at Madonna University's Activities Center in Livonia. In today's second game, Alma defeated the host Crusaders, 62-60. With the wins, the MIAA won the challenge, 4-0.

Dearborn scored the first five points of the game. Olivet answered with three straight baskets by McClary, and all three were assisted by Evans. Following a 9-9 tie, the Comets went on a 19-8 run to stretch their lead to double digits. Olivet extended its lead to 12 points twice before the Wolves made it an eight-point game, 47-39, at halftime.

Dearborn opened the second half with a 6-0 scoring spurt to cut the margin to two points. The Comets did not let the Wolves get any closer for the rest of the game.

To go along with his 17 points, McClary had 15 rebounds for his third double-double of the season and the 24th of his career. Evans also recorded eight assists for the Comets, who finished the game with 23 assists to just 10 turnovers. Junior Nathan Jennings (Grant) chipped-in with 15 points. Olivet's bench outscored Dearborn's bench, 27-0. Senior Andy Clark (Perry) was the bench leader with nine points.

For the Wolves, Nicholas Simpson led all scorers with 31 points, while Ron Wilson and Matt Ponik contributed 23 and 10 points, respectively. Ponik grabbed a team-high nine rebounds.

Olivet returns to action next Thursday, Dec. 10, at Davenport University. Game time is 7 p.m.