Men’s basketball team beats John Carroll, 86-79, in championship game of Steadman Classic

McClary named tournament MVP, Jennings also named to all-tournament team

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio -- The Olivet College men's basketball team won the championship of the 2010 John Steadman Classic by beating the host Blue Streaks, 86-79, today at John Carroll University's DeCarlo Varsity Center in University Heights, Ohio. For his efforts, senior Michael McClary (Bellaire) was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player, and senior Nathan Jennings (Grant) joined him on the all-tournament team.

Previously unbeaten and No. 18 in the D3hoops.com preseason poll, John Carroll held a one-point, 35-34, lead at halftime. In the second half, Olivet took a 43-40 lead, at the 16:12 mark when McClary made a free throw to complete a three-point play. That was the Comets' first lead since the 15:00 mark of the first half.

After a 66-66 tie with 6:03 left in the game, McClary scored nine straight points to put the Comets ahead 75-68. In the final 54 seconds, Olivet sealed its come from behind win by knocking down 8-of-10 free throws.

For the game, the Comets shot 43.5 percent (30-of-69) from the floor and 80.8 percent (21-of-26) from the free throw line. Olivet out-rebounded the Blue Streaks, 50-32.

McClary finished the game with game-highs in points (32) and rebounds (14) for his third double-double of the season and 41st of his career. He also blocked three shots. Senior Andre Evans (Muskegon Heights) was next with 21 points, including 10-of-13 shooting from the free throw line. Junior Jaren Edsall (Whitehall) scored a career-high 17 points. Off the bench, sophomore Matt El (Allegan) pulled down nine rebounds.

John Carroll placed five players in double figures, led by Conor Tilow's 20. Joining him were Kyle Hubbard (13), Joey Meyer (12), Corey Shontz (11) and Maurice Haynes (10). Tilow also grabbed a team-leading six rebounds.

Olivet (4-2) will host Elmhurst (Ill.) College Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m.