Men’s basketball team falls to Elmhurst 73-49

ELMHURST, Ill. – The Olivet College men's basketball fell to Elmhurst College 73-49 this afternoon in a non-conference game at the R.A. Faganel Hall in Elmhurst, Ill.

In the first half, the Comets held a 9-8 lead before the Bluejays went on a 15-2 scoring run to take a 23-11 with 9:47 left before halftime. They eventually took a 19-point lead, 37-18, at the 3:25 mark. Senior Eric Mack (Eastpointe/Roseville) scored the final seven points of the half to cut Olivet's deficit down to 12 points, 37-25, at the break.

The Comets opened the second half with a 9-2 run to get as close as five points, 39-34, with 14:44 left in the game. Elmhurst scored 187 straight points over the next six minutes and 36 seconds to take a 57-34 lead. Olivet made back-to-back 3-pointers but it would not get any closer.

Mack was the only Comet in double figures with 12 points. Juniors Alvino Ashley (Detroit/MLK) and Dakotah Ellis (Birch Run) each contributed eight points. Ellis also grabbed a team-high six rebounds.  Senior Jaren Edsall (Whitehall) scored five points and dished out five assists. Junior Matt El (Allegan) blocked three shots.

The Bluejays placed three starters in double figures, led by Zack Boyd's 16. James Robertson and Jerome Robinson finished with 14 and 12, respectively. Boyd and Nick Sanford each pulled down seven rebounds.

Olivet will take next week off for fall semester exams and return to the court in one week when it hosts Spring Arbor University at 3 p.m.