McClary breaks single-season scoring record in 71-69 win over Calvin

OLIVET, Mich. -- Senior Michael McClary (Bellaire) broke the single-season scoring record, as the Olivet College men's basketball team moved into a logjam for second-place in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) standings with a 71-69 win over Calvin College today inside The Cutler Event Center in Olivet. McClary has scored 553 points this season to break Jeff Bell's 546 points during the 1996-97 season.

The first half was a tightly contested battle. The Knights' biggest lead of the half was four points on two occasions, with the last time being 14-10 at the 14:36 mark. After four tied scores, Olivet took a six-point lead, 33-27, for its largest lead of the half. Calvin battled back and regained the lead at 36-33 with 1:06 left before halftime. A three-pointer by senior Joe Post (Olivet) tied the game at 36-36 at the break.

The Knights opened the second half with a 6-0 scoring spurt for a 42-36 lead. Their least lead was 44-43 with 14:43 left in the game. Over the next three minutes, the Knights failed to put any points on the scoreboard and McClary scored 12 straight points for the Comets, which gave them a first double digit lead, 55-44, for the first time in the game. That deficit proved to be too much for Calvin to overcome, as it could not get any closer than two points.

McClary made 13-of-25 baskets and 3-of-4 free throws for his 29 points. He also pulled down a team-leading nine rebounds. Senior Cameron Bramer (Olivet) joined him in double figures with a career-high 10 points. Post and junior Jaren Edsall (Whitehall) scored nine points apiece.

Tom Snikkers and Danny Rodts each posted a double-double for the Knights. Snikkers had 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Rodts finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

The Comets will travel to play MIAA leader Hope College next Wednesday, Feb. 9, at 7:30 p.m.